Wayne Croswell -Tire Industry Association President
Tue, 02/02/2010 - 09:19

SEMA News - February 2010

By Alysha Webb

Incoming President of Tire Industry Association

  SEMA NEWS-FEBRUARY 2010-BUSINESS-WAYNE CROSWELL
 

“I have been involved with tire dealers all around America. I care about my customers and learned about the business and their needs, not just digital needs,” said Wayne Croswell, ASA Tire Systems president and TIA president.

   
When his software company asked him to become vice president of operations for a newly acquired tire industry company, tires had “no appeal for me whatsoever,” said Wayne Croswell. That was 32 years ago. Now, Croswell is president of ASA Tire Systems and the new president of the Tire Industry Association (TIA).

“I fell in love with the industry and the people, and it got into my blood,” he said.

Croswell, 54, has a computer science degree from Boston University. A computer programmer might not seem like a natural tire guy, but most tire dealers and retreaders rely on specialty software to manage their businesses. ASA Tire Systems is now the largest division of ASA International Ltd., in which Croswell is a group vice president.

“I have been involved with tire dealers all around America,” Croswell said. “I care about my customers and learned about the business and their needs, not just digital needs.”

It was customers who pushed ASA to begin exhibiting at the SEMA Show. Dealers began telling ASA more than a decade ago, “You gotta go to SEMA,” said Croswell. “We went there first just to walk the aisles, and we were blown away.” The next year, ASA bought a 10- x 10-foot Show booth.

But those were the days before there was a special tire and wheel section, and ASA was so small that its customers couldn’t find the company at the SEMA Show, said Croswell. “We were beyond a needle in a haystack,” he said.

ASA stuck it out, continuing to exhibit for the next few years. Then, in 2004, the tire industry combined its exhibits at the SEMA Show, and the tire and wheel section was created. “All of a sudden, our customers could find us,” said Croswell. “[The SEMA Show] became a huge success for us. Now we have a 20 x 30 booth.”

Retreaders and tire dealers—ASA’s customers—are coming to the SEMA Show in growing numbers. There were 5,237 registered tire and wheel buyers in 2009, compared to 5,016 in 2007. But as president of TIA, Croswell is concerned about another trend—the declining number of tire manufacturers exhibiting at the Show.

Just before Christmas, TIA gathered the major tire manufacturers in Washington, D.C., to talk about how to make the SEMA Show work better for them. SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting was there at the beginning of the focus group, then took leave of the meeting so that the manufacturers could have a frank discussion with TIA, Croswell said.

“The challenge is to make [the tire and wheel section] a show within a show,” he said. “I want to do whatever we can to make the manufacturers feel that our presence is obvious inside the SEMA world.”

Making the SEMA Show the best it can be for TIA members is also important for TIA as an organization, Croswell said. The SEMA Show is a big revenue stream for TIA, which uses the money for training programs for its members, government affairs and other activities.

“Being an association, we have limited places to go for revenue,” said Croswell. “Our members need to help support us, and a big part of that is participating in the SEMA Show.”

For Croswell, who is an avid soccer player and sports fan, making the SEMA Show work for the tire companies is more than just his job. “I do have a passion for the industry, the dealers and the [Tire Industry Association] members,” he said. “You don’t have to just be selling tires.”

 

Tires, Wheels & Equipment Exhibitors
Tue, 02/02/2010 - 09:19

SEMA News - February 2010

From A–Z, the Companies That Had the South Hall Rolling

 

Ace Alloy Wheel/Decorsa Wheels
909/628-6680
www.acealloywheel.com
www.decorsa.com
www.kaneiusa.com

Achieva Rubber Corp.
310/328-8868
www.achievatires.com

Advanced Structural Alloys LLC
805/612-2152
www.advancedstructuralalloys.com

Aftersoft Network N.A. Inc.
949/488-8860 x116
www.aftersoftna.com

Aguirre Enterprises Inc.
520/761-1000

Air-Zenith
702/270-7988
www.air-zenith.com

AKA Motoring
Accessories Corp.
909/980-4870
www.akamotoringus.com

Alexrims Corp.
626/638-3431
www.alexglobal.com

Allied Wheel Components/Raceline
714/893-4160
www.alliedwheel.com
www.racelinewheels.com

AME International
352/799-1111
www.ameintl.net

American Eagle Wheel Corp.
909/590-8828
www.americaneaglewheel.com

American Force Wheels
786/345-6301
www.americanforcewheels.com

American Omni Trading
713/785-2700
www.american-omni.com

Anmax Industrial Co. Ltd.
+886-7-2692368
www.pro-anmax.com.tw

API Inc.
661/702-0988
www.apitire.com

Apple Digital Sign Inc.
201/363-0100

Armano/XIX Wheels
626/350-9000
www.xixwheels.com

ASA Tire Systems
603/889-8700
www.asatire.com

ATEQ Corp.
734/451-9449 x222
www.ateq.com

Atturo Tire Corp.
573/943-6947
www.atturo.com

Autoacc Trading Pte. Ltd.
+65-65427388
www.autoacc.com

Automiq Power & Light LLC
209/456-2782
www.gloryder.com

AutoTool
305/825-9600
www.autotool.net

AutoWare Technologies LLC
850/230-9695
www.autowaretech.com

Balkrishna Tyres (BKT)
+91-22-6666-3800
www.bkt-tires.com

Bartec
586/685-1300
www.bartecusa.com

Bee Line Co.
800/728-7828
www.beeline-co.com

Best Choice International Trade Co. Ltd.
+86-10-6441-6193
www.chinese-tyres.com

Bimecc USA Inc.
909/614-1822
www.bimecc-usa.com

BlackJack Tire Repair
816/662-4465
www.BlackJackTireRepair.com

Branick Industries Inc.
701/281-8888
www.branick.com

BZO Wheels
281/449-5300
www.bzowheels.com

Cameo
859/489-4325

CarCareONE
866/209-4457
www.carcareone.net

Cartek Group
269/382-5080
www.cartek.com

Centurion Wheels
801/224-4509
www.centurionwheels.com

Chadha Rubber Pty. Ltd.
+91-11-41628419/+32959837
www.chadharubber.com

China Kaiping Zhonglv Alloy Wheel Co. Ltd.
+86-750-2822838
www.chinesewheel.com

China Manufacturers Alliance
626/301-9575
www.cmaintl.com

CIMS Tire Registration
330/794-910
www.cimstireregistration.com

Claus Ettensberger Corp.
310/203-3900
www.cecwheels.com

Compressed Air Systems LLC
972/352-6304
www.compressed-air-systems.com

Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.
419/423-1321
www.coopertire.com

Corghi USA Inc.
513/874-5958
www.corghiusa.us

Cosmic Evergreen Tire (Beijing) Co. Ltd.
+86-21-62955670
www.evergreentire.cn

Counteract Balancing Beads
905/873-3339
www.counteractbalancing.com

Cragar Industries Inc.
909/947-1831
www.cragarwheel.com

Crowntyre Industrial Co. Ltd.
+86-13805321638
www.crowntyre.com

Cub Elecparts Inc.
+886-4-7782010
www.cubelec.com.tw

Custom Wheel Accessories Inc.
714/827-5200
www.customwheelaccessories.com
www.cwausa.com

Custom Wheel Solutions
706/467-0057
www.customwheelsolutions.com

CustomWheelsDirect.com
888/857-9974
www.customwheelsdirect.com

Daeho Industry/Pacific Treads
562/468-0202
www.dhtire.co.kr

Daewoo International Corp.
+82-2-759-2043
www.daewoo.com/english/index.jsp

Dcenti Tires
626/571-8700

DEESTONE
662/420-0038
www.deestone.com

Diesel Wheels
305/696-9994
www.dieslelwheels.com

Dill Air Controls Products
919/692-2300
www.dillaircontrols.com

Don Corleone
323/228-0822
www.doncorleonewheels.com

Dong Ah Tire & Rubber Co. Ltd.
+82-55-370-7792
www.dongahtire.co.kr

DUB Magazine
626/336-3821
www.dubmagazine.com

Duro Tire & Wheel
770/788-2060
www.durotire.com

EAA Pacific/Forged Specialists
909/444-7974

Eastern Pneumatics & Hydraulics McCann
603/893-7662
www.mccannequipment.ca
www.ephtools.com

Elgi Rubber Company Ltd.
+91422/432-1000
www.elgirubber.com

Enforce Products
760/398-0815
www.enforceproducts.com

Enkei Wheels
817/490-5611
www.enkei.com

Essen Trade Shows
914/962-1310
www.essentradeshows.com

Excalibur Wheel Accessories
800/227-0504
www.excaliburwheel.com

Excel Tire Gauge
401/732-8420
www.exceltiregauge.com

Factory Reproductions Inc.
909/590-5252
www.factoryreproductions.com

Fairmount Tire & Rubber Inc.
323/750-2840
www.fairmounttire.com

Falken Tire Corp.
909/466-1116
www.falkentire.com

50 Below
866/479-2693
www.arrowheadtiredemo.com

Finixx New Technology Co. Ltd.
662/689-1156
www.finixx.com

Foreign Tire Sales Inc.
908/687-0559
www.foreigntire.com

Forgiato Inc.
818/771-9779
www.forgiato.com

Freedomsoft
+336-6267-542

Fullrun Tyre Corp. Ltd.
+86-532-8593-6982
www.fullruntyre.com

G.T. Wheels & Accessories
909/476-6418
www.gazariowheels.net

Gaither Tool Co. Inc.
217/245-0545
www.gaithertool.com
www.winntec.net

Galaxy Wire Wheels
951/360-8500
www.galaxywirewheel.com

GH Wheels Inc.
818/434-4400
www.ghwheels.com

Gila Wheels Inc.
281/913-7217
www.gilawheels.com

Giuliano S.P.A.
+39-0522-731111
www.giuliano.it

Global Tire & Wheel Inc.
909/595-2503

Godspeed Wheels
800/775-3912
www.godspeedwheels.com

Goodtire Rubber Ind. Co. Ltd.
+886-2-27583613
www.goodtire.com.tw

Gorilla Automotive Products
323/585-2852
www.gorilla-auto.com

GreatLakes Tire Co.
330/837-1700

Greenball Corp.
310/669-2626
www.greenball.com

GWG Wheels Inc.
866/924-6745
www.gwgwheels.com

Haltec Corp.
330/222-1501
www.haltec.com

Hangzhou Shine Tire Industrial Co. Ltd.
+86-571-82896930
www.shine-holding.com

Hankook Tire
800/426-5665
www.hankooktireusa.com

Hanksugi Japan Tire International Co. Ltd.
+86-21-508-13651
www.hanksugitires.com

Hatco SAL
+961-1-241900
www.hatco.com.lb

Haweka USA/Allpart Supply
800/381-1330
www.hawekausa.com

HB Plus Bandamatic
+525558722933
www.hulesbanda.com

HD Wheels
813/707-9880
www.perfectlyround.com

Hennessy Industries Inc.
615/641-7533
www.ammcoats.com

Hercules Tire
519/885-3100
www.herculestire.com

Heshbon Co. Ltd.
+82-41-351-3573
www.heshbon.com

Hny Tires Co. Ltd.
+82-61-372-0245
www.hnytires.koreasme.com

Houstone Tire Co.
713/690-5500

HRE Performance Wheels
760/598-1960
www.hrewheels.com

Hunter Engineering Co.
314/731-3020
www.hunter.com, www.gsp9700.com, www.weightsaver.com

Hutchinson Industries/RockMonster Wheels
609/394-1010
www.hutchinsoninc.com
www.rockmonsterwheels.com

Hydyne
305/968-3696
www.hydynemotorsport.com

IForged Performance Alloys/Forgestar Wheels
714/484-1070
www.iforged.com

II Crave
714/523-7722
www.2crave.com

IMC
952/435-6335
www.imctrade.com

INOVIT Inc.
562/991-1760
www.inovit.com

Jiafu Tire Co. Ltd.
+86-532-85931563
www.jiafutire.com

Jiangxi Taiming (Shanghai) Rubber Tyre Co. Inc.
+86-510-86069209
www.tmtube.com/

JMK Computerized TDIS
217/384-8891
www.jmktdis.com

Jonari Corp.
650/343-9253
www.jonari.com

Josn Electronic Co. Ltd.
+886-2-2999-3820
www.josn.com.tw

Kelsey Tire Inc.
800/325-0091
www.kelseytire.com

Kenda USA
614/866-9803
www.kendausa.com

Konig
516/822-5700
www.konigwheels.com
www.maxximwheels.com
www.privatwheels.com

Kunshan Anka Wheel
+8651260000000
www.ankawheel.com

Kurv Wheels
954/327-7128
www.kurvwheels.com

Lakin Tire West Inc.
562/802-2752

Latin American
& Caribbean Tyre
540/548-8160

Lehigh Ind. Machinery
888/725-1866
www.lehigh-lathe.com

Lenso Wheel Co. Ltd.
+66-38-571700-2
www.lensowheel.com

Lexani Wheel Corp.
951/808-4220
www.Lexani.com

LF Works
+603-6156-0607
www.lfworks.net

Lonestar Wheels
281/391-3058
www.lswheels.com

Long March Tyre Co. Ltd.
713/690-5500

Lu Hai Industrial Corp.
+886-4-8748122
www.luhai.com.tw

Lucy’s Tire Inc.
305/593-2028
www.lucytires.com

  M&R Tire Products Inc.
519/428-4252
www.magnumbalance.com

MaddenCo. Inc.
812/474-6245
www.maddenco.com

Malhotra Rubbers (Tyres) Ltd. India
+91-120-2543028,+91-120-2543029

Maxxis International
800/462-9947
www.maxxis.com

McGard LLC
716/662-8980
www.mcgard.com

Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels
330/928-9092
www.mickeythompsontires.com

MKW Wheels
909/444-0184
www.mkwalloy.com

Mobile Designs Inc.
530/244-1050
www.mobiledesignsinc.com

Modern Tire Dealer
330/899-2200
www.moderntiredealer.com

MotionLite
888/600-7577
www.motionlite.com

MTP Inc.
928/779-5311
www.movittire.com

Myers Tire Supply
330/253-5592
www.myerstiresupply.com

Nankang Rubber Tire Corp. Ltd.
+886-2-27065137
www.nankang.com.tw

Net Driven
877/860-2005
www.getnetdriven.com

Never Expected Wheels Ltd.
877/334-2960
www.neverexpectedwheels.com

Nexen Corp.
+8225959811

Nexen Tire America Inc.
909/923-4011
www.nexentireusa.com

Niagara Lubricant Co. Inc.
7168742300
www.niagaralubricant.com

Ningbo Able Rubber
and Auto Parts
+86-574-8617-3315
www.cnautoable.com

Ningbo Alpha Autoparts Manufacture Co. Ltd.
+86-574-87977865
www.classicautoparts.com.cn

Ningbo Fortune Auto Parts Manufacturer Co. Ltd.
+86-574-8727-7199
www.fycautoparts.com

Ningbo Jiangbei Qiyu Special Wheel Co. Ltd.
+86-574-87562096

Ningbo Kaixing Auto Parts Factory
+86-15088826579

Ningbo Sinppa Tools Co.
+86-574-28525801
www.sinppa.com

Ningbo U&O International Trading Inc.
+86-574-87893237

Ningbo Yinzhou Jinuo Auto Accessories Co. Ltd.
+86-574-27858348
www.nbjinuo.com

Ningbo Yongqi Aluminium-Wheel Manufacturer Co. Ltd.
+8657490000000
www.yqwheels.com

Nitto Tire
800/648-8652
www.nittotire.com

Nussbaum Automotive Lifts
888/625-4387

Ohio Rack Inc.
330/823-8200
www.ohiorack.com

Omni United USA Inc.
+65-64231431
www.omni-united.com

Orange Electronic Co. Ltd.
888/407-8767
www.orange-electronic.com

P.C. Products International Co. Ltd.
662/708-1442
www.pcproductsinter.com

Parker Hannifin Corp./Tiresaver
978/858-0505
www.tiresavernitrogen.com

PDK Wheels
219/947-1735
www.mambawheels.com
www.greedwheels.com
www.mobwheels.com

PilotDoer Wheel Co. Ltd.
+574-65153322
www.PDwheel.com

Pirelli Tire North America
800/7573554
www.us.pirelli.com

PIT-STOP TIRE
305/362-8200
www.pit-stoptire.com

Player Wheel Group
330/799-9274

Plombco Inc.
450/371-8800
www.plombco.com

Pneu-Tek Tire Tools
575/439-1561

Pneumatic Components Ltd.
www.pclairtechnology.com

Prema Products Inc.
www.premacanada.ca

Pride Tires Inc.
(Asian Tyre Factory)
www.atftyre.com

Primax Wheel Corp.
www.xxrwheel.com

Prime Wheel Corp.
www.primewheel.com

Protector Tyres
www.protectortyres.com

Qingdao Free Trade Zone Full-World
www.full-world.com

Qingdao Qihang Tyre Co. Ltd.
+86-532-8583-1197

Qingdao Wheeling
Rubber Co. Ltd.
+86-532-85785710

RAD USA Direct
www.otisincla.com

RAV - Ravaglioli SPA
www.ravaglioli.com

ReadyLift Suspension
www.readylift.com

Red River Rack Co.
+9406122242

Rema Tip Top
201/768-8100

Resilient Technologies LLC
www.resilienttech.com

REV Wheel/Arelli Wheel
www.rev-wheel.com

Revolution Supply Co. Inc.
www.revolutionsupply.com

RHINOTIRE
www.rhinotire.com

RideStyler
www.ridestyler.com

RightPSI
www.rightpsi.com

Rimlox
www.rimlox.com

Road Dreams Industries Ltd.
www.adventure-rider.com

Rota Wheel
www.rotawheels.com

Royal Wheels & Accessories
www.instanttoolsusa.com

RSC Sales Co.
www.rscsales.com

Rubber King Tyres
India Pvt. Ltd.
www.rubberking.net

RUD-Chain Inc.
www.rudchain.com

Safety Seal By North
Shore Labs
www.safetyseal.com

Sailun Tire
www.gpxtire.com

Samik Corp.
www.samikgroup.co.kr

Savini/Zinik/ASA
www.saviniforged.com

SD-International
www.sd-international.cn

Seetron Inc.
www.tp2.co.kr

SEINTEK
www.seintek.com

Seju Engineering
www.safe-drive.com

SEMA-Wheel & Tire Council
www.sema.org/wtc

Sentaida International
www.sentaida-international.com

Shandong Dawang
Jintai Group
+86-546-6878535

Shandong Jinyu
Tyre Co. Ltd.
www.jinyutyres.com

Shandong Linglong
www.linglong.cn

Shandong Shengtai Wheel Co. Ltd.
www.stwheel.cn

Shandong Wanda Boto Tyre Co. Ltd.
www.baotongtyre.com

Shandong Yongtai Chemical Group Co. Ltd.
www.yongtaigroup.com

Shifeng Juxing Tire Co. Ltd.
www.shifengtire.com

Shijiazhuang Zhongxing Machine Manufactory Co. Ltd.
www.sjzxmm.com

Sicam USA/GRP Enterprises LLC
804/365-7959

Signal Extraprise Corp.
www.signalextraprise.com

SNAP-ON Equipment
www.snaponequipment.com

Sonny Tyres
www.sonnytyres.com

Speedways Rubber Co.
www.speedwaystyres.com

Standards Testing Labs
www.stllabs.com

Starr Wheel Group
954/935-5536
www.swg1.com

Status Alloy Wheels/Ruff Racing
www.statuswheels.com

Sumec Group
www.sumecwheel.com

Superking Manufacturers (Tyre) Pvt. Ltd.
www.superkingtyres.com

Synergy Tires
949/294-4814

TCS - Tire Power Software
www.tcstirepower.com

Team Torque Inc.
www.teamtorque.com

Tech International
www.tech-international.com

Techking Tires Limited
www.techkingtires.com

Tenzo Racing Sports/DeMODA Concepts
www.demodawheels.com
www.tenzoracingsports.com

31 Incorporated
www.31inc.com

3T Motorsport
www.3tassociates.com

Tianjin United Tire & Rubber International Co. Ltd.
www.tutrictire.com

Tianjin Wanda Tyre
Group Co. Ltd.
www.tjwanda.com

Tier-Rack
www.tier-rack.com

Tire Business
330/836-9180

Tire Centers LLC
www.tirecenters.com

Tire Group International Inc.
www.tiregroup.com

Tire Group of Factories Ltd. Inc.
www.riverstonetire.com

Tire Industry Association
www.tireindustry.org

Tire Profiles Inc.
www.tireprofile.com

Tire Review
330/670-1234
www.tirereview.com

Tire Service Equipment Manufacturing Co. Inc.
www.tsissg.com

Tireco Inc.
www.sendelwheel.com

Tiremaxx International Corp.
507/269-0233

TitusPlus/Lama Automation
www.titusplus.com

TM Import-Export Inc.
www.TMimportExport.com

Toho Kogyo Co. Ltd.
www.tohokk.co.jp

Tomkins-Schrader, Plews Edelmann
www.schrader-bridgeport.com

Topline Products
www.tradeunion.com

TopRich USA Wheels
www.toprichusawheels.com

TRAX
www.traxjh.com

Triangle Tyre Co. Ltd.
www.gpxtire.com

TSW Alloy Wheels
www.tsw.com

Tube & Solid Tire Ltd.
210/599-1222

Tunerkey.com
918/835-2280
www.tunerkey.com

Tyre Guardian USA
www.tireguardian.us

Tyres International Inc.
330/374-1000

The Ultimate Wheel & Tire Plus Sizing Guide
www.plussizingguide.com

Uniauto Inc./Rimtech Industrial Co. Ltd.
www.uniauto-wepro.com
www.rimtech.com.tw

Unicorn Tire Corp.
www.unicorntire.net

Unique Wheel
www.uniquewheel.com
www.blackrockwheels.com

Universal Tire International
305/357-0348

U.S. Wheel
714/892-0021
www.uswheel.com

Vee Rubber Corp. Ltd.
www.veerubber.co.th

Vehicle Inspection
Systems Inc.
www.vischeck.net

Velocity Wheels
www.velocity.com

Versante Wheel
www.versantewheels.com

Vision Wheel
www.visionwheel.com

Vossen Wheels
www.vossenwheels.com

Vredestein Tyres
732/549-2440

Vrimz.com
www.vrimz.com

Werther International Inc.
www.werther.com

Western States Manufacturing Co.
712/252-4248

The Wheel Group/Wheel-1
www.thewheelgroup.com

Wheel and Tire Distributors
www.wtdus.com

Wheel Pros Inc.
www.wheelpros.com

Wheelware Software
www.wheelwaresoftware.com

White Knight Wheel Accessories
www.whtknight.com

WTW Inc./Giovanna, Gianelle, GFG
www.giovannawheels.com
www.wtwcorp.com

Xiamen Sunrise Wheel Group Co. Ltd.
www.rswheels.com

Zhanjiang Global Steel Wheel Mfg. Co.
www.globalwheelinc.com

Zhejiang Dawning Industrial Co. Ltd.
www.dawingwheels.com

Zhejiang Hongxin Technology Co. Ltd.
www.hxwheel.com

Zhejiang Yueling Wheel Hub Making Co. Ltd.
www.yueling.com.cn

ZTI Tires Inc.
www.zafco.com

Zumbo Wheels
+86-574-86113250

Tires, Wheels & Equipment Exhibitors
Tue, 02/02/2010 - 09:19

SEMA News - February 2010

From A–Z, the Companies That Had the South Hall Rolling

 

Ace Alloy Wheel/Decorsa Wheels
909/628-6680
www.acealloywheel.com
www.decorsa.com
www.kaneiusa.com

Achieva Rubber Corp.
310/328-8868
www.achievatires.com

Advanced Structural Alloys LLC
805/612-2152
www.advancedstructuralalloys.com

Aftersoft Network N.A. Inc.
949/488-8860 x116
www.aftersoftna.com

Aguirre Enterprises Inc.
520/761-1000

Air-Zenith
702/270-7988
www.air-zenith.com

AKA Motoring
Accessories Corp.
909/980-4870
www.akamotoringus.com

Alexrims Corp.
626/638-3431
www.alexglobal.com

Allied Wheel Components/Raceline
714/893-4160
www.alliedwheel.com
www.racelinewheels.com

AME International
352/799-1111
www.ameintl.net

American Eagle Wheel Corp.
909/590-8828
www.americaneaglewheel.com

American Force Wheels
786/345-6301
www.americanforcewheels.com

American Omni Trading
713/785-2700
www.american-omni.com

Anmax Industrial Co. Ltd.
+886-7-2692368
www.pro-anmax.com.tw

API Inc.
661/702-0988
www.apitire.com

Apple Digital Sign Inc.
201/363-0100

Armano/XIX Wheels
626/350-9000
www.xixwheels.com

ASA Tire Systems
603/889-8700
www.asatire.com

ATEQ Corp.
734/451-9449 x222
www.ateq.com

Atturo Tire Corp.
573/943-6947
www.atturo.com

Autoacc Trading Pte. Ltd.
+65-65427388
www.autoacc.com

Automiq Power & Light LLC
209/456-2782
www.gloryder.com

AutoTool
305/825-9600
www.autotool.net

AutoWare Technologies LLC
850/230-9695
www.autowaretech.com

Balkrishna Tyres (BKT)
+91-22-6666-3800
www.bkt-tires.com

Bartec
586/685-1300
www.bartecusa.com

Bee Line Co.
800/728-7828
www.beeline-co.com

Best Choice International Trade Co. Ltd.
+86-10-6441-6193
www.chinese-tyres.com

Bimecc USA Inc.
909/614-1822
www.bimecc-usa.com

BlackJack Tire Repair
816/662-4465
www.BlackJackTireRepair.com

Branick Industries Inc.
701/281-8888
www.branick.com

BZO Wheels
281/449-5300
www.bzowheels.com

Cameo
859/489-4325

CarCareONE
866/209-4457
www.carcareone.net

Cartek Group
269/382-5080
www.cartek.com

Centurion Wheels
801/224-4509
www.centurionwheels.com

Chadha Rubber Pty. Ltd.
+91-11-41628419/+32959837
www.chadharubber.com

China Kaiping Zhonglv Alloy Wheel Co. Ltd.
+86-750-2822838
www.chinesewheel.com

China Manufacturers Alliance
626/301-9575
www.cmaintl.com

CIMS Tire Registration
330/794-910
www.cimstireregistration.com

Claus Ettensberger Corp.
310/203-3900
www.cecwheels.com

Compressed Air Systems LLC
972/352-6304
www.compressed-air-systems.com

Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.
419/423-1321
www.coopertire.com

Corghi USA Inc.
513/874-5958
www.corghiusa.us

Cosmic Evergreen Tire (Beijing) Co. Ltd.
+86-21-62955670
www.evergreentire.cn

Counteract Balancing Beads
905/873-3339
www.counteractbalancing.com

Cragar Industries Inc.
909/947-1831
www.cragarwheel.com

Crowntyre Industrial Co. Ltd.
+86-13805321638
www.crowntyre.com

Cub Elecparts Inc.
+886-4-7782010
www.cubelec.com.tw

Custom Wheel Accessories Inc.
714/827-5200
www.customwheelaccessories.com
www.cwausa.com

Custom Wheel Solutions
706/467-0057
www.customwheelsolutions.com

CustomWheelsDirect.com
888/857-9974
www.customwheelsdirect.com

Daeho Industry/Pacific Treads
562/468-0202
www.dhtire.co.kr

Daewoo International Corp.
+82-2-759-2043
www.daewoo.com/english/index.jsp

Dcenti Tires
626/571-8700

DEESTONE
662/420-0038
www.deestone.com

Diesel Wheels
305/696-9994
www.dieslelwheels.com

Dill Air Controls Products
919/692-2300
www.dillaircontrols.com

Don Corleone
323/228-0822
www.doncorleonewheels.com

Dong Ah Tire & Rubber Co. Ltd.
+82-55-370-7792
www.dongahtire.co.kr

DUB Magazine
626/336-3821
www.dubmagazine.com

Duro Tire & Wheel
770/788-2060
www.durotire.com

EAA Pacific/Forged Specialists
909/444-7974

Eastern Pneumatics & Hydraulics McCann
603/893-7662
www.mccannequipment.ca
www.ephtools.com

Elgi Rubber Company Ltd.
+91422/432-1000
www.elgirubber.com

Enforce Products
760/398-0815
www.enforceproducts.com

Enkei Wheels
817/490-5611
www.enkei.com

Essen Trade Shows
914/962-1310
www.essentradeshows.com

Excalibur Wheel Accessories
800/227-0504
www.excaliburwheel.com

Excel Tire Gauge
401/732-8420
www.exceltiregauge.com

Factory Reproductions Inc.
909/590-5252
www.factoryreproductions.com

Fairmount Tire & Rubber Inc.
323/750-2840
www.fairmounttire.com

Falken Tire Corp.
909/466-1116
www.falkentire.com

50 Below
866/479-2693
www.arrowheadtiredemo.com

Finixx New Technology Co. Ltd.
662/689-1156
www.finixx.com

Foreign Tire Sales Inc.
908/687-0559
www.foreigntire.com

Forgiato Inc.
818/771-9779
www.forgiato.com

Freedomsoft
+336-6267-542

Fullrun Tyre Corp. Ltd.
+86-532-8593-6982
www.fullruntyre.com

G.T. Wheels & Accessories
909/476-6418
www.gazariowheels.net

Gaither Tool Co. Inc.
217/245-0545
www.gaithertool.com
www.winntec.net

Galaxy Wire Wheels
951/360-8500
www.galaxywirewheel.com

GH Wheels Inc.
818/434-4400
www.ghwheels.com

Gila Wheels Inc.
281/913-7217
www.gilawheels.com

Giuliano S.P.A.
+39-0522-731111
www.giuliano.it

Global Tire & Wheel Inc.
909/595-2503

Godspeed Wheels
800/775-3912
www.godspeedwheels.com

Goodtire Rubber Ind. Co. Ltd.
+886-2-27583613
www.goodtire.com.tw

Gorilla Automotive Products
323/585-2852
www.gorilla-auto.com

GreatLakes Tire Co.
330/837-1700

Greenball Corp.
310/669-2626
www.greenball.com

GWG Wheels Inc.
866/924-6745
www.gwgwheels.com

Haltec Corp.
330/222-1501
www.haltec.com

Hangzhou Shine Tire Industrial Co. Ltd.
+86-571-82896930
www.shine-holding.com

Hankook Tire
800/426-5665
www.hankooktireusa.com

Hanksugi Japan Tire International Co. Ltd.
+86-21-508-13651
www.hanksugitires.com

Hatco SAL
+961-1-241900
www.hatco.com.lb

Haweka USA/Allpart Supply
800/381-1330
www.hawekausa.com

HB Plus Bandamatic
+525558722933
www.hulesbanda.com

HD Wheels
813/707-9880
www.perfectlyround.com

Hennessy Industries Inc.
615/641-7533
www.ammcoats.com

Hercules Tire
519/885-3100
www.herculestire.com

Heshbon Co. Ltd.
+82-41-351-3573
www.heshbon.com

Hny Tires Co. Ltd.
+82-61-372-0245
www.hnytires.koreasme.com

Houstone Tire Co.
713/690-5500

HRE Performance Wheels
760/598-1960
www.hrewheels.com

Hunter Engineering Co.
314/731-3020
www.hunter.com, www.gsp9700.com, www.weightsaver.com

Hutchinson Industries/RockMonster Wheels
609/394-1010
www.hutchinsoninc.com
www.rockmonsterwheels.com

Hydyne
305/968-3696
www.hydynemotorsport.com

IForged Performance Alloys/Forgestar Wheels
714/484-1070
www.iforged.com

II Crave
714/523-7722
www.2crave.com

IMC
952/435-6335
www.imctrade.com

INOVIT Inc.
562/991-1760
www.inovit.com

Jiafu Tire Co. Ltd.
+86-532-85931563
www.jiafutire.com

Jiangxi Taiming (Shanghai) Rubber Tyre Co. Inc.
+86-510-86069209
www.tmtube.com/

JMK Computerized TDIS
217/384-8891
www.jmktdis.com

Jonari Corp.
650/343-9253
www.jonari.com

Josn Electronic Co. Ltd.
+886-2-2999-3820
www.josn.com.tw

Kelsey Tire Inc.
800/325-0091
www.kelseytire.com

Kenda USA
614/866-9803
www.kendausa.com

Konig
516/822-5700
www.konigwheels.com
www.maxximwheels.com
www.privatwheels.com

Kunshan Anka Wheel
+8651260000000
www.ankawheel.com

Kurv Wheels
954/327-7128
www.kurvwheels.com

Lakin Tire West Inc.
562/802-2752

Latin American
& Caribbean Tyre
540/548-8160

Lehigh Ind. Machinery
888/725-1866
www.lehigh-lathe.com

Lenso Wheel Co. Ltd.
+66-38-571700-2
www.lensowheel.com

Lexani Wheel Corp.
951/808-4220
www.Lexani.com

LF Works
+603-6156-0607
www.lfworks.net

Lonestar Wheels
281/391-3058
www.lswheels.com

Long March Tyre Co. Ltd.
713/690-5500

Lu Hai Industrial Corp.
+886-4-8748122
www.luhai.com.tw

Lucy’s Tire Inc.
305/593-2028
www.lucytires.com

  M&R Tire Products Inc.
519/428-4252
www.magnumbalance.com

MaddenCo. Inc.
812/474-6245
www.maddenco.com

Malhotra Rubbers (Tyres) Ltd. India
+91-120-2543028,+91-120-2543029

Maxxis International
800/462-9947
www.maxxis.com

McGard LLC
716/662-8980
www.mcgard.com

Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels
330/928-9092
www.mickeythompsontires.com

MKW Wheels
909/444-0184
www.mkwalloy.com

Mobile Designs Inc.
530/244-1050
www.mobiledesignsinc.com

Modern Tire Dealer
330/899-2200
www.moderntiredealer.com

MotionLite
888/600-7577
www.motionlite.com

MTP Inc.
928/779-5311
www.movittire.com

Myers Tire Supply
330/253-5592
www.myerstiresupply.com

Nankang Rubber Tire Corp. Ltd.
+886-2-27065137
www.nankang.com.tw

Net Driven
877/860-2005
www.getnetdriven.com

Never Expected Wheels Ltd.
877/334-2960
www.neverexpectedwheels.com

Nexen Corp.
+8225959811

Nexen Tire America Inc.
909/923-4011
www.nexentireusa.com

Niagara Lubricant Co. Inc.
7168742300
www.niagaralubricant.com

Ningbo Able Rubber
and Auto Parts
+86-574-8617-3315
www.cnautoable.com

Ningbo Alpha Autoparts Manufacture Co. Ltd.
+86-574-87977865
www.classicautoparts.com.cn

Ningbo Fortune Auto Parts Manufacturer Co. Ltd.
+86-574-8727-7199
www.fycautoparts.com

Ningbo Jiangbei Qiyu Special Wheel Co. Ltd.
+86-574-87562096

Ningbo Kaixing Auto Parts Factory
+86-15088826579

Ningbo Sinppa Tools Co.
+86-574-28525801
www.sinppa.com

Ningbo U&O International Trading Inc.
+86-574-87893237

Ningbo Yinzhou Jinuo Auto Accessories Co. Ltd.
+86-574-27858348
www.nbjinuo.com

Ningbo Yongqi Aluminium-Wheel Manufacturer Co. Ltd.
+8657490000000
www.yqwheels.com

Nitto Tire
800/648-8652
www.nittotire.com

Nussbaum Automotive Lifts
888/625-4387

Ohio Rack Inc.
330/823-8200
www.ohiorack.com

Omni United USA Inc.
+65-64231431
www.omni-united.com

Orange Electronic Co. Ltd.
888/407-8767
www.orange-electronic.com

P.C. Products International Co. Ltd.
662/708-1442
www.pcproductsinter.com

Parker Hannifin Corp./Tiresaver
978/858-0505
www.tiresavernitrogen.com

PDK Wheels
219/947-1735
www.mambawheels.com
www.greedwheels.com
www.mobwheels.com

PilotDoer Wheel Co. Ltd.
+574-65153322
www.PDwheel.com

Pirelli Tire North America
800/7573554
www.us.pirelli.com

PIT-STOP TIRE
305/362-8200
www.pit-stoptire.com

Player Wheel Group
330/799-9274

Plombco Inc.
450/371-8800
www.plombco.com

Pneu-Tek Tire Tools
575/439-1561

Pneumatic Components Ltd.
www.pclairtechnology.com

Prema Products Inc.
www.premacanada.ca

Pride Tires Inc.
(Asian Tyre Factory)
www.atftyre.com

Primax Wheel Corp.
www.xxrwheel.com

Prime Wheel Corp.
www.primewheel.com

Protector Tyres
www.protectortyres.com

Qingdao Free Trade Zone Full-World
www.full-world.com

Qingdao Qihang Tyre Co. Ltd.
+86-532-8583-1197

Qingdao Wheeling
Rubber Co. Ltd.
+86-532-85785710

RAD USA Direct
www.otisincla.com

RAV - Ravaglioli SPA
www.ravaglioli.com

ReadyLift Suspension
www.readylift.com

Red River Rack Co.
+9406122242

Rema Tip Top
201/768-8100

Resilient Technologies LLC
www.resilienttech.com

REV Wheel/Arelli Wheel
www.rev-wheel.com

Revolution Supply Co. Inc.
www.revolutionsupply.com

RHINOTIRE
www.rhinotire.com

RideStyler
www.ridestyler.com

RightPSI
www.rightpsi.com

Rimlox
www.rimlox.com

Road Dreams Industries Ltd.
www.adventure-rider.com

Rota Wheel
www.rotawheels.com

Royal Wheels & Accessories
www.instanttoolsusa.com

RSC Sales Co.
www.rscsales.com

Rubber King Tyres
India Pvt. Ltd.
www.rubberking.net

RUD-Chain Inc.
www.rudchain.com

Safety Seal By North
Shore Labs
www.safetyseal.com

Sailun Tire
www.gpxtire.com

Samik Corp.
www.samikgroup.co.kr

Savini/Zinik/ASA
www.saviniforged.com

SD-International
www.sd-international.cn

Seetron Inc.
www.tp2.co.kr

SEINTEK
www.seintek.com

Seju Engineering
www.safe-drive.com

SEMA-Wheel & Tire Council
www.sema.org/wtc

Sentaida International
www.sentaida-international.com

Shandong Dawang
Jintai Group
+86-546-6878535

Shandong Jinyu
Tyre Co. Ltd.
www.jinyutyres.com

Shandong Linglong
www.linglong.cn

Shandong Shengtai Wheel Co. Ltd.
www.stwheel.cn

Shandong Wanda Boto Tyre Co. Ltd.
www.baotongtyre.com

Shandong Yongtai Chemical Group Co. Ltd.
www.yongtaigroup.com

Shifeng Juxing Tire Co. Ltd.
www.shifengtire.com

Shijiazhuang Zhongxing Machine Manufactory Co. Ltd.
www.sjzxmm.com

Sicam USA/GRP Enterprises LLC
804/365-7959

Signal Extraprise Corp.
www.signalextraprise.com

SNAP-ON Equipment
www.snaponequipment.com

Sonny Tyres
www.sonnytyres.com

Speedways Rubber Co.
www.speedwaystyres.com

Standards Testing Labs
www.stllabs.com

Starr Wheel Group
954/935-5536
www.swg1.com

Status Alloy Wheels/Ruff Racing
www.statuswheels.com

Sumec Group
www.sumecwheel.com

Superking Manufacturers (Tyre) Pvt. Ltd.
www.superkingtyres.com

Synergy Tires
949/294-4814

TCS - Tire Power Software
www.tcstirepower.com

Team Torque Inc.
www.teamtorque.com

Tech International
www.tech-international.com

Techking Tires Limited
www.techkingtires.com

Tenzo Racing Sports/DeMODA Concepts
www.demodawheels.com
www.tenzoracingsports.com

31 Incorporated
www.31inc.com

3T Motorsport
www.3tassociates.com

Tianjin United Tire & Rubber International Co. Ltd.
www.tutrictire.com

Tianjin Wanda Tyre
Group Co. Ltd.
www.tjwanda.com

Tier-Rack
www.tier-rack.com

Tire Business
330/836-9180

Tire Centers LLC
www.tirecenters.com

Tire Group International Inc.
www.tiregroup.com

Tire Group of Factories Ltd. Inc.
www.riverstonetire.com

Tire Industry Association
www.tireindustry.org

Tire Profiles Inc.
www.tireprofile.com

Tire Review
330/670-1234
www.tirereview.com

Tire Service Equipment Manufacturing Co. Inc.
www.tsissg.com

Tireco Inc.
www.sendelwheel.com

Tiremaxx International Corp.
507/269-0233

TitusPlus/Lama Automation
www.titusplus.com

TM Import-Export Inc.
www.TMimportExport.com

Toho Kogyo Co. Ltd.
www.tohokk.co.jp

Tomkins-Schrader, Plews Edelmann
www.schrader-bridgeport.com

Topline Products
www.tradeunion.com

TopRich USA Wheels
www.toprichusawheels.com

TRAX
www.traxjh.com

Triangle Tyre Co. Ltd.
www.gpxtire.com

TSW Alloy Wheels
www.tsw.com

Tube & Solid Tire Ltd.
210/599-1222

Tunerkey.com
918/835-2280
www.tunerkey.com

Tyre Guardian USA
www.tireguardian.us

Tyres International Inc.
330/374-1000

The Ultimate Wheel & Tire Plus Sizing Guide
www.plussizingguide.com

Uniauto Inc./Rimtech Industrial Co. Ltd.
www.uniauto-wepro.com
www.rimtech.com.tw

Unicorn Tire Corp.
www.unicorntire.net

Unique Wheel
www.uniquewheel.com
www.blackrockwheels.com

Universal Tire International
305/357-0348

U.S. Wheel
714/892-0021
www.uswheel.com

Vee Rubber Corp. Ltd.
www.veerubber.co.th

Vehicle Inspection
Systems Inc.
www.vischeck.net

Velocity Wheels
www.velocity.com

Versante Wheel
www.versantewheels.com

Vision Wheel
www.visionwheel.com

Vossen Wheels
www.vossenwheels.com

Vredestein Tyres
732/549-2440

Vrimz.com
www.vrimz.com

Werther International Inc.
www.werther.com

Western States Manufacturing Co.
712/252-4248

The Wheel Group/Wheel-1
www.thewheelgroup.com

Wheel and Tire Distributors
www.wtdus.com

Wheel Pros Inc.
www.wheelpros.com

Wheelware Software
www.wheelwaresoftware.com

White Knight Wheel Accessories
www.whtknight.com

WTW Inc./Giovanna, Gianelle, GFG
www.giovannawheels.com
www.wtwcorp.com

Xiamen Sunrise Wheel Group Co. Ltd.
www.rswheels.com

Zhanjiang Global Steel Wheel Mfg. Co.
www.globalwheelinc.com

Zhejiang Dawning Industrial Co. Ltd.
www.dawingwheels.com

Zhejiang Hongxin Technology Co. Ltd.
www.hxwheel.com

Zhejiang Yueling Wheel Hub Making Co. Ltd.
www.yueling.com.cn

ZTI Tires Inc.
www.zafco.com

Zumbo Wheels
+86-574-86113250

Tires, Wheels & Equipment New Products
Tue, 02/02/2010 - 09:19

SEMA News - February 2010

2009 SEMA Show Exhibitors Offer Vehicle Enthusiasts New Products to Instantly Enhance Their Rides
SEMA NEWS-FEBRUARY 2010-NEW PRODUCTS

With more than 290 exhibitors showcasing and 110 new product registrations within the Tires, Wheels & Equipment section of the 2009 SEMA Show, it is apparent that this segment of the specialty-equipment industry remains one of the most popular with vehicle enthusiasts. It is no wonder, as new tires and wheels can instantly change the look and feel of a vehicle. Exhibitors at the Show offered products for small to large passenger cars, trucks and even racing applications.

“There is a great demand for tires and wheels among specialty-equipment enthusiasts because they are one of the easiest and most visible ways to individualize your vehicle,” said Jim Skelly, director of SEMA councils, including the Wheel & Tire Council. “Not only is there a huge variety of styles and sizes available, but you can change them yourself and immediately create a unique-looking vehicle.”

What follows is a collection of some of the new products featured at the 2009 SEMA Show. View a PDF of all 110 new products here.

Tires, Wheels & Equipment New Products
Tue, 02/02/2010 - 09:19

SEMA News - February 2010

2009 SEMA Show Exhibitors Offer Vehicle Enthusiasts New Products to Instantly Enhance Their Rides
SEMA NEWS-FEBRUARY 2010-NEW PRODUCTS

With more than 290 exhibitors showcasing and 110 new product registrations within the Tires, Wheels & Equipment section of the 2009 SEMA Show, it is apparent that this segment of the specialty-equipment industry remains one of the most popular with vehicle enthusiasts. It is no wonder, as new tires and wheels can instantly change the look and feel of a vehicle. Exhibitors at the Show offered products for small to large passenger cars, trucks and even racing applications.

“There is a great demand for tires and wheels among specialty-equipment enthusiasts because they are one of the easiest and most visible ways to individualize your vehicle,” said Jim Skelly, director of SEMA councils, including the Wheel & Tire Council. “Not only is there a huge variety of styles and sizes available, but you can change them yourself and immediately create a unique-looking vehicle.”

What follows is a collection of some of the new products featured at the 2009 SEMA Show. View a PDF of all 110 new products here.

Top 100 – Tire and Wheel Retailers
Tue, 02/02/2010 - 09:19

SEMA News - February 2010

SEMA NEWS-FEBRUARY 2010-BUSINESSWheel and Tire Retailers Take the 2009 SEMA Show by Storm

Thousands of buyers from the tire and wheel market spent a portion of their 2009 SEMA Show week scanning bar codes from the New Products Showcase and visiting exhibitor booths to identify the next must-have tire and wheel gear for their local markets. In reviewing the data from all the scans at booths and the New Product Showcase, a select group of extremely energetic registered buyers emerged as the most active retailers in their market. In addition to their Show attendance, many of the most engaged attendees are SEMA members, which further represents their commitment to the entire specialty-equipment market. Companies also distinguished themselves from the crowd when the number of their attending employee’s scans was combined with the size (number of outlets) and annual sales data of their company. The following represents 100 retailers who have remained resilient during a struggling economy, each with employees that proudly represented their companies by tracking down the latest and greatest by thoroughly exploring, and scanning, everything wheel and tire related at the 2009 SEMA Show.

 


 

Dealer Tire LLC
3711 Chester Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44114-4623
206/786-6979
www.dealertire.com

Ted Wiens Tire & Auto
1701 Las Vegas Blvd. S
Las Vegas, NV 89104-1301
702/589-9200
www.tedwiens.com

Ed Costante Tire
480 S. Delsea Dr.
Vineland, NJ 08360-5306
856/696-2250
www.edcostantetire@aol.com

Grand Prix Performance
1718 Newport Blvd.
Costa Mesa, CA 92627-3010
949/645-7022
www.grandprixperformance.com

Avn Motorsports
1813 Clement Ave., #24B
Alameda, CA 94501
510/864-0626
www.avnmotorsports.com

Carters OTR Tire Inc
1920 N. 2nd St.
Folkston, GA 31537-1207
912/496-4067
www.cartersotrtire.com

Terry’s Tire Town
2360 W. Main St.
Alliance, OH 44601-2189
330/877-0913
www.terrystiretown.com

Premier Wheel Workz
4765 American Way
Memphis, TN 38118-2412
901/363-3639
www.wheelworkz.com

Gomez Tires Wheels
1934 W. 51st St.
Chicago, IL 60609-4845
773/737-4130
www.gomeztiresandwheels

Cruzin Customs
6279 E. Slauson Ave. #201
Commerce, CA 90040
323/890-8955
www.cruzincustoms.com

Walker Tire
7728 F St.
Omaha, NE 68127-1827
402/331-3636
www.walkertire.com

World Of Wheels
613 Sunnyside Dr.
Michigan City, IN 46360
219/221-6436
www.theworldofwheels.com

Rushforth Wheels
830 N. Fife St.
Tacoma, WA 98406
253/306-3215
www.rushforthwheels.com

Serious Autosport
2275 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd., Ste. 3
West Palm Beach, FL 33409
561/429-6900
www.seriousautosport.com

Rent-N-Roll
14620 N. Nebraska Ave., Bldg. B
Tampa, FL 33613-1420
813/855-7075
www.rnrwheels.com

Dean’s Tire & Automotive Services
1603 S. Calumet Rd.
Chesterton, IN 46304-3303
219/929-4289
www.deanstire.com

Rims USA
160A Metro Dr.
Spartanburg, SC 29303-2754
864/597-0157
www.rentnroll.com

Gateway Tire & Service
1021 W. McEwen Dr.
Franklin, TN 37067
615/771-7080
www.dktire.com

Tires Plus Wheels
888 Wethersfield Ave.
Hartford, CT 06114-3180
860/296-9799
www.tirespluswheels.com

Wheels N Motion
961 E. Holt Ave.
Pomona, CA 91767-5744
909/622-1232
www.wheelsnmotion.net

Globe Tire & Motorsports
2450 S. La Cienega Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90034-2216
310/836-0804
www.globemotorsports.com

Big O Tires
12650 E. Briarwood Ave., Ste. 2D
Centennial, CO 80112-6792
303/728-5500
www.bigotires.com

American International
Motorsports Inc.
29651 Arnold Dr. K-7A
Sonoma, CA 95476
707/938-9193
www.aimtire.com

Executive Wholesale Tire Inc.
750 E. Gude Dr.
Rockville, MD 20850-1328
301/294-8820
www.ACCCExecutiveTire.com

Victoria Tire
2271 E. Florence Ave.
Huntington Park, CA 90255
323/583-3627
www.victoriatire.com

Kam Tire Co.
944 Kipuni Way
Kapaa, HI 96746
808/822-5066

Wholesale Wheel Warehouse
515 E. Carefree Hwy.
PMB 101
Phoenix, AZ 85085-8839
623/293-6854

Burt Brothers Tire
737 N. 400 W
North Salt Lake, UT 84054
801/599-3399
www.burtbrothers.com

Discount Tire/America’s Tire
20225 N. Scottsdale Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
480/606-6000
www.tires.com

Black’S Tire Service
P.O. Box 919
Whiteville, NC 28472-0919
910/484-4144
www.blackstire.com

909 Dezign
909 S. Cucamonga Ave.
Ontario, CA 91761
909/673-0333

Kao Auto Styling
4130 Spring Mountain Rd.
Las Vegas, NV 89102-8702
702/367-3642
www.kaowheels.com

Big Brand Tire Co.
805 Via Alondra
Camarillo, CA 93012-8046
559/686-8473
www.bigbrandtire.com

Evans Tire & Service Center
510 N. Broadway
Escondido, CA 92025
760/746-0594
www.evanstire.com

North Missouri Tire
615 E. 3rd. St.
Milan, MO 63556-1439
660/265-4223

South Dade Automotive
2875 NW 77nd Ave.
Miami, FL 33122
305/639-6090
www.sdatire.com

Master Wheel Miami Inc.
8233 NW 68th St.
Medley, FL 33166
305/733-4670

Costco Wholesale
999 Lake Dr.
Issaquah, WA 20166-6581
703/406-6843
www.costco.com

Falcon Tire & Towing
1065 Simpson
Kingsburg, CA 93631-2235
559/897-7099

Interstate Tire Distributor
6737 E. Washington Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90040-1801
323/722-0411
www.interstatetire.com

Discount Tire Direct
24350 N. 20th Dr., Bldg. C, #134
Phoenix, AZ 85085
602/735-1800
www.discounttiredirect.com

Sullivan Tire Co. Inc.
393 Manley St.
West Bridgewater, MA 02379
508/408-0683
www.sullivantire.com

Belle Tire Discounters
1000 Enterprise Dr.
Allen Park, MI 48101-3000
313/271-9400
www.belletire.com

Town Fair Tire Centers Inc.
460 Coe Ave.
East Haven, CT 06512-3800
203/467-8600
www.townfairtire.com

F&F Tire
20120 W. Bluemound Rd.
Brookfield, WI 53045-5956
262/215-2524
www.tiredeals.com

Rimtyme Custom Wheels
1404 Rhea Dr.
Garner, NC 27529-7485
704/537-1004
www.customwheelsnc.com

Conway & O’Malley Inc.
905 Pittsburgh Ave.
Erie, PA 16502
814/455-2787
www.conwayandomalley.com

Horizon Tire Inc.
8989 Market Street Rd.

Wheeldude.Com
4396 Enterprise Pl., Ste. F
Fremont, CA 94538
510/304-7554
www.wheeldude.com


 

Tireman Auto Centers
1549 Campbell St.
Toledo, OH 43607-4321
419/344-9430
www.thetireman.com

 

Dubzdirect.Com
157 Viking Ave.
Brea, CA 92821-3817
714/671-3100
www.dubzdirect.com

La Tire & Chrome
8419 Alameda Ave.
El Paso, TX 79907-6003
915/858-4800
www.latireandchrome.com

Hawaii Tire Co. LLC
170 Wiwoole St., Ste. D
Hilo, HI 96720-5134
808/961-6001
www.lex brodies hilo

Total Auto Pros
5301 N. 16th St.
Phoenix, AZ 85016-3203
480/620-3183
www.totalautopros.com

Dobbs Tire And Auto Centers
1983 Brennan Plaza
High Ridge, MO 63049-1893
636/677-2101
www.gotodobbs.com

A To Z Tire & Battery Inc.
4909 Dacoma
Houston, TX 77092-7725
713/956-5270
www.atoztire.com

East Carolina Tire
P.O. Box 1528
Henderson, NC 27536
252/438-1700

Southern Tire Mart
428 Hwy. 49 S
Richland, MS 39218-8403
662/773-3421

Queen City Customs SS Inc.
4716 N. Tryon St.
Charlotte, NC 28213-7030
704/494-0022
www.queencitycustoms.com

Racers Edge Performance Parts
209 Hessler Pl.
Hagatna, GUAM 96910-5033
671/477-1896

The Tire Company
115 W. 200 N
Cedar City, UT 84720
435/586-3949

5 Star Tire & Automotive
200 N. State Route 7
Pleasant Hill, MO 64080
816/540-2977
www.5startireandautomotive.com

Exotic Wheel
10101 S. Western Ave.
Chicago, IL 60643-1927
773/445-2000
www.dubzrus.com

Trans Texas Tire Inc.
303 N. Van Buren Ave.
Mount Pleasant, TX 75455-3910
903/572-0267
www.taskmasterproducts.com

Bruce’s Tire Inc.
2400 Prune Ave.
Fremont, CA 94539-6729
510/580-1441
www.brucestire.com

Rivertown Auto and Tire
324 Redwood Hwy.
Grants Pass, OR 97527
541/292-6163
www.rivertownauto.com

Midwest Tire & Muffler
P.O. Box 3149
Rapid City, SD 57709-3149
605/348-2160
www.tmastores.net

Western Tire Centers
3545 S. Richey Blvd.
Tucson, AZ 85713-5432
520/748-1700
www.jackfurriers.com

DJ’s Motorsports Nimitz
3165 N. Nimitz Hwy.
Honolulu, HI 96819
808/781-7176
www.djs808.com

International Wheels Unlimited
2032 Frederick Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21223-2225
443/682-7392
www.iwheelu.com

Chrome Source LLC
12811 Capricorn Dr.
Stafford, TX 77477
281/980-3444

Custom Wheel
208 Space Park N
Goodlettsville, TN 37072-1858
615/859-6816
www.customwheel.com

Recon Wheel & Bumper
1318 Brooks St.
Ontario, CA 91762-3611
909/988-5600

Llantera Chihuahua
405 Federal Blvd.
Denver, CO 80204-4744
303/935-2440

Kalifornia Wheels
1190 S. Mirage Ave.
Lindsay, CA 93247-9508
559/562-1290

Sin City Wheels and Tires
3411 Bunkerhill Dr.
North Las Vegas, NV 89032
702/255-8473

Churchill Motors
1480 Churchill Rd.
Youngstown, OH 44505
330/759-0005

Kartoyz Audio & Accessories
1737 Alum Rock Ave.
San Jose, CA 95116-1302
408/251-1496
www.kartoyz.com

Gutierrez Tire
1300 Beale Ave.
Bakersfield, CA 93305
661/327-0216

Pearson Tire
640 S. Main St.
Richfield, UT 84701-2853
435/896-5494
www.pearsontire.com

Crows Landing Tire & Wheel
1541 Crows Landing Rd.
Modesto, CA 95358
209/818-1447
www.cltireandwheel.com

Jongbloed Racing Inc.
1715 Pinecrest Dr.
San Martin, CA 95046
408/776-1380

Northwest Tire Factory
421 E. 3rd S
Rexburg, ID 83440
208/356-7371
www.tirefactory.com

Somerset Tire Service Inc.
P.O. Box 2001
Bound Brook, NJ 08805-1031
732/356-8000
www.ststire.com

Superior Tire
1990 Hwy. 95
Bullhead City, AZ 86442-6752
512/466-2666
www.superiortireco.com

Sawyer Tire Inc.
124 S. Killingsworth
Bolivar, MO 65613
417/276-6500
www.sawyertire.net

The Tire Store
43923 Sierra Hwy.
Lancaster, CA 93534-5036
661/945-1833
www.thetirestoreav.com

Gils Tire and Auto Sales
1014 Basse Rd.
San Antonio, TX 78212-1001
210/733-0156
www.filstire.com

Commercial Tire Co.
3366 Leonis Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90058-3091
323/583-1561
www.commercialtireco.com

Sun Tire
6807 Stuart Ln. S
Jacksonville, FL 32254-3438
904/693-0990
www.suntire.com

Rios
2625 West Bus Hwy. 83
McAllen, TX 78501
956/668-1800
www.rios tires.com

Mendez Tire Shop
2417 River Blvd.
Bakersfield, CA 93305
661/872-7264

Wheel Concepts Industries
1103 Lawrence Dr.
Newbury Park, CA 91320-1300
805/376-2113
www.wheelconcepts.com

H & H Tire
5770 S. Hwy. 85/87
Colorado Springs, CO 80911
719/338-7546
www.hhtires.com

Audio City
13927 Amar Rd.
La Puente, CA 91746-3605
626/814-1158
www.audiocityusa.com

Tony’s Tires
8451 San Fernando Rd.
Sun Valley, CA 91352-3229
559/333-5451

Hot Wheel City
18415 W. Seven Mile
Detroit, MI 48219
313/541-1900
www.hotwheelcity.com

Tirexchange Inc.
15485 N. 84th St.
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
480/596-9655

San Joaquin Tires & Wheels
230 Golden State Ave.
Bakersfield,CA 93301
661/861-8430

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEMA NEWS-FEBRUARY 2010-BUSINESS 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEMA NEWS-FEBRUARY 2010-BUSINESS 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEMA NEWS-FEBRUARY 2010-BUSINESS 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEMA NEWS-FEBRUARY 2010-BUSINESS 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEMA NEWS-FEBRUARY 2010-BUSINESS 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEMA NEWS-FEBRUARY 2010-BUSINESS 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Top 100 – Tire and Wheel Retailers
Tue, 02/02/2010 - 09:19

SEMA News - February 2010

SEMA NEWS-FEBRUARY 2010-BUSINESSWheel and Tire Retailers Take the 2009 SEMA Show by Storm

Thousands of buyers from the tire and wheel market spent a portion of their 2009 SEMA Show week scanning bar codes from the New Products Showcase and visiting exhibitor booths to identify the next must-have tire and wheel gear for their local markets. In reviewing the data from all the scans at booths and the New Product Showcase, a select group of extremely energetic registered buyers emerged as the most active retailers in their market. In addition to their Show attendance, many of the most engaged attendees are SEMA members, which further represents their commitment to the entire specialty-equipment market. Companies also distinguished themselves from the crowd when the number of their attending employee’s scans was combined with the size (number of outlets) and annual sales data of their company. The following represents 100 retailers who have remained resilient during a struggling economy, each with employees that proudly represented their companies by tracking down the latest and greatest by thoroughly exploring, and scanning, everything wheel and tire related at the 2009 SEMA Show.

 


 

Dealer Tire LLC
3711 Chester Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44114-4623
206/786-6979
www.dealertire.com

Ted Wiens Tire & Auto
1701 Las Vegas Blvd. S
Las Vegas, NV 89104-1301
702/589-9200
www.tedwiens.com

Ed Costante Tire
480 S. Delsea Dr.
Vineland, NJ 08360-5306
856/696-2250
www.edcostantetire@aol.com

Grand Prix Performance
1718 Newport Blvd.
Costa Mesa, CA 92627-3010
949/645-7022
www.grandprixperformance.com

Avn Motorsports
1813 Clement Ave., #24B
Alameda, CA 94501
510/864-0626
www.avnmotorsports.com

Carters OTR Tire Inc
1920 N. 2nd St.
Folkston, GA 31537-1207
912/496-4067
www.cartersotrtire.com

Terry’s Tire Town
2360 W. Main St.
Alliance, OH 44601-2189
330/877-0913
www.terrystiretown.com

Premier Wheel Workz
4765 American Way
Memphis, TN 38118-2412
901/363-3639
www.wheelworkz.com

Gomez Tires Wheels
1934 W. 51st St.
Chicago, IL 60609-4845
773/737-4130
www.gomeztiresandwheels

Cruzin Customs
6279 E. Slauson Ave. #201
Commerce, CA 90040
323/890-8955
www.cruzincustoms.com

Walker Tire
7728 F St.
Omaha, NE 68127-1827
402/331-3636
www.walkertire.com

World Of Wheels
613 Sunnyside Dr.
Michigan City, IN 46360
219/221-6436
www.theworldofwheels.com

Rushforth Wheels
830 N. Fife St.
Tacoma, WA 98406
253/306-3215
www.rushforthwheels.com

Serious Autosport
2275 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd., Ste. 3
West Palm Beach, FL 33409
561/429-6900
www.seriousautosport.com

Rent-N-Roll
14620 N. Nebraska Ave., Bldg. B
Tampa, FL 33613-1420
813/855-7075
www.rnrwheels.com

Dean’s Tire & Automotive Services
1603 S. Calumet Rd.
Chesterton, IN 46304-3303
219/929-4289
www.deanstire.com

Rims USA
160A Metro Dr.
Spartanburg, SC 29303-2754
864/597-0157
www.rentnroll.com

Gateway Tire & Service
1021 W. McEwen Dr.
Franklin, TN 37067
615/771-7080
www.dktire.com

Tires Plus Wheels
888 Wethersfield Ave.
Hartford, CT 06114-3180
860/296-9799
www.tirespluswheels.com

Wheels N Motion
961 E. Holt Ave.
Pomona, CA 91767-5744
909/622-1232
www.wheelsnmotion.net

Globe Tire & Motorsports
2450 S. La Cienega Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90034-2216
310/836-0804
www.globemotorsports.com

Big O Tires
12650 E. Briarwood Ave., Ste. 2D
Centennial, CO 80112-6792
303/728-5500
www.bigotires.com

American International
Motorsports Inc.
29651 Arnold Dr. K-7A
Sonoma, CA 95476
707/938-9193
www.aimtire.com

Executive Wholesale Tire Inc.
750 E. Gude Dr.
Rockville, MD 20850-1328
301/294-8820
www.ACCCExecutiveTire.com

Victoria Tire
2271 E. Florence Ave.
Huntington Park, CA 90255
323/583-3627
www.victoriatire.com

Kam Tire Co.
944 Kipuni Way
Kapaa, HI 96746
808/822-5066

Wholesale Wheel Warehouse
515 E. Carefree Hwy.
PMB 101
Phoenix, AZ 85085-8839
623/293-6854

Burt Brothers Tire
737 N. 400 W
North Salt Lake, UT 84054
801/599-3399
www.burtbrothers.com

Discount Tire/America’s Tire
20225 N. Scottsdale Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
480/606-6000
www.tires.com

Black’S Tire Service
P.O. Box 919
Whiteville, NC 28472-0919
910/484-4144
www.blackstire.com

909 Dezign
909 S. Cucamonga Ave.
Ontario, CA 91761
909/673-0333

Kao Auto Styling
4130 Spring Mountain Rd.
Las Vegas, NV 89102-8702
702/367-3642
www.kaowheels.com

Big Brand Tire Co.
805 Via Alondra
Camarillo, CA 93012-8046
559/686-8473
www.bigbrandtire.com

Evans Tire & Service Center
510 N. Broadway
Escondido, CA 92025
760/746-0594
www.evanstire.com

North Missouri Tire
615 E. 3rd. St.
Milan, MO 63556-1439
660/265-4223

South Dade Automotive
2875 NW 77nd Ave.
Miami, FL 33122
305/639-6090
www.sdatire.com

Master Wheel Miami Inc.
8233 NW 68th St.
Medley, FL 33166
305/733-4670

Costco Wholesale
999 Lake Dr.
Issaquah, WA 20166-6581
703/406-6843
www.costco.com

Falcon Tire & Towing
1065 Simpson
Kingsburg, CA 93631-2235
559/897-7099

Interstate Tire Distributor
6737 E. Washington Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90040-1801
323/722-0411
www.interstatetire.com

Discount Tire Direct
24350 N. 20th Dr., Bldg. C, #134
Phoenix, AZ 85085
602/735-1800
www.discounttiredirect.com

Sullivan Tire Co. Inc.
393 Manley St.
West Bridgewater, MA 02379
508/408-0683
www.sullivantire.com

Belle Tire Discounters
1000 Enterprise Dr.
Allen Park, MI 48101-3000
313/271-9400
www.belletire.com

Town Fair Tire Centers Inc.
460 Coe Ave.
East Haven, CT 06512-3800
203/467-8600
www.townfairtire.com

F&F Tire
20120 W. Bluemound Rd.
Brookfield, WI 53045-5956
262/215-2524
www.tiredeals.com

Rimtyme Custom Wheels
1404 Rhea Dr.
Garner, NC 27529-7485
704/537-1004
www.customwheelsnc.com

Conway & O’Malley Inc.
905 Pittsburgh Ave.
Erie, PA 16502
814/455-2787
www.conwayandomalley.com

Horizon Tire Inc.
8989 Market Street Rd.

Wheeldude.Com
4396 Enterprise Pl., Ste. F
Fremont, CA 94538
510/304-7554
www.wheeldude.com


 

Tireman Auto Centers
1549 Campbell St.
Toledo, OH 43607-4321
419/344-9430
www.thetireman.com

 

Dubzdirect.Com
157 Viking Ave.
Brea, CA 92821-3817
714/671-3100
www.dubzdirect.com

La Tire & Chrome
8419 Alameda Ave.
El Paso, TX 79907-6003
915/858-4800
www.latireandchrome.com

Hawaii Tire Co. LLC
170 Wiwoole St., Ste. D
Hilo, HI 96720-5134
808/961-6001
www.lex brodies hilo

Total Auto Pros
5301 N. 16th St.
Phoenix, AZ 85016-3203
480/620-3183
www.totalautopros.com

Dobbs Tire And Auto Centers
1983 Brennan Plaza
High Ridge, MO 63049-1893
636/677-2101
www.gotodobbs.com

A To Z Tire & Battery Inc.
4909 Dacoma
Houston, TX 77092-7725
713/956-5270
www.atoztire.com

East Carolina Tire
P.O. Box 1528
Henderson, NC 27536
252/438-1700

Southern Tire Mart
428 Hwy. 49 S
Richland, MS 39218-8403
662/773-3421

Queen City Customs SS Inc.
4716 N. Tryon St.
Charlotte, NC 28213-7030
704/494-0022
www.queencitycustoms.com

Racers Edge Performance Parts
209 Hessler Pl.
Hagatna, GUAM 96910-5033
671/477-1896

The Tire Company
115 W. 200 N
Cedar City, UT 84720
435/586-3949

5 Star Tire & Automotive
200 N. State Route 7
Pleasant Hill, MO 64080
816/540-2977
www.5startireandautomotive.com

Exotic Wheel
10101 S. Western Ave.
Chicago, IL 60643-1927
773/445-2000
www.dubzrus.com

Trans Texas Tire Inc.
303 N. Van Buren Ave.
Mount Pleasant, TX 75455-3910
903/572-0267
www.taskmasterproducts.com

Bruce’s Tire Inc.
2400 Prune Ave.
Fremont, CA 94539-6729
510/580-1441
www.brucestire.com

Rivertown Auto and Tire
324 Redwood Hwy.
Grants Pass, OR 97527
541/292-6163
www.rivertownauto.com

Midwest Tire & Muffler
P.O. Box 3149
Rapid City, SD 57709-3149
605/348-2160
www.tmastores.net

Western Tire Centers
3545 S. Richey Blvd.
Tucson, AZ 85713-5432
520/748-1700
www.jackfurriers.com

DJ’s Motorsports Nimitz
3165 N. Nimitz Hwy.
Honolulu, HI 96819
808/781-7176
www.djs808.com

International Wheels Unlimited
2032 Frederick Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21223-2225
443/682-7392
www.iwheelu.com

Chrome Source LLC
12811 Capricorn Dr.
Stafford, TX 77477
281/980-3444

Custom Wheel
208 Space Park N
Goodlettsville, TN 37072-1858
615/859-6816
www.customwheel.com

Recon Wheel & Bumper
1318 Brooks St.
Ontario, CA 91762-3611
909/988-5600

Llantera Chihuahua
405 Federal Blvd.
Denver, CO 80204-4744
303/935-2440

Kalifornia Wheels
1190 S. Mirage Ave.
Lindsay, CA 93247-9508
559/562-1290

Sin City Wheels and Tires
3411 Bunkerhill Dr.
North Las Vegas, NV 89032
702/255-8473

Churchill Motors
1480 Churchill Rd.
Youngstown, OH 44505
330/759-0005

Kartoyz Audio & Accessories
1737 Alum Rock Ave.
San Jose, CA 95116-1302
408/251-1496
www.kartoyz.com

Gutierrez Tire
1300 Beale Ave.
Bakersfield, CA 93305
661/327-0216

Pearson Tire
640 S. Main St.
Richfield, UT 84701-2853
435/896-5494
www.pearsontire.com

Crows Landing Tire & Wheel
1541 Crows Landing Rd.
Modesto, CA 95358
209/818-1447
www.cltireandwheel.com

Jongbloed Racing Inc.
1715 Pinecrest Dr.
San Martin, CA 95046
408/776-1380

Northwest Tire Factory
421 E. 3rd S
Rexburg, ID 83440
208/356-7371
www.tirefactory.com

Somerset Tire Service Inc.
P.O. Box 2001
Bound Brook, NJ 08805-1031
732/356-8000
www.ststire.com

Superior Tire
1990 Hwy. 95
Bullhead City, AZ 86442-6752
512/466-2666
www.superiortireco.com

Sawyer Tire Inc.
124 S. Killingsworth
Bolivar, MO 65613
417/276-6500
www.sawyertire.net

The Tire Store
43923 Sierra Hwy.
Lancaster, CA 93534-5036
661/945-1833
www.thetirestoreav.com

Gils Tire and Auto Sales
1014 Basse Rd.
San Antonio, TX 78212-1001
210/733-0156
www.filstire.com

Commercial Tire Co.
3366 Leonis Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90058-3091
323/583-1561
www.commercialtireco.com

Sun Tire
6807 Stuart Ln. S
Jacksonville, FL 32254-3438
904/693-0990
www.suntire.com

Rios
2625 West Bus Hwy. 83
McAllen, TX 78501
956/668-1800
www.rios tires.com

Mendez Tire Shop
2417 River Blvd.
Bakersfield, CA 93305
661/872-7264

Wheel Concepts Industries
1103 Lawrence Dr.
Newbury Park, CA 91320-1300
805/376-2113
www.wheelconcepts.com

H & H Tire
5770 S. Hwy. 85/87
Colorado Springs, CO 80911
719/338-7546
www.hhtires.com

Audio City
13927 Amar Rd.
La Puente, CA 91746-3605
626/814-1158
www.audiocityusa.com

Tony’s Tires
8451 San Fernando Rd.
Sun Valley, CA 91352-3229
559/333-5451

Hot Wheel City
18415 W. Seven Mile
Detroit, MI 48219
313/541-1900
www.hotwheelcity.com

Tirexchange Inc.
15485 N. 84th St.
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
480/596-9655

San Joaquin Tires & Wheels
230 Golden State Ave.
Bakersfield,CA 93301
661/861-8430

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEMA NEWS-FEBRUARY 2010-BUSINESS 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEMA NEWS-FEBRUARY 2010-BUSINESS 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEMA NEWS-FEBRUARY 2010-BUSINESS 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEMA NEWS-FEBRUARY 2010-BUSINESS 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEMA NEWS-FEBRUARY 2010-BUSINESS 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEMA NEWS-FEBRUARY 2010-BUSINESS 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trends on a Roll: Tire & Wheel Market
Tue, 02/02/2010 - 09:19

SEMA News - February 2010

By Steve Campbell

Expert Insights Into Tire and Wheel Markets and Innovations

  SEMA NEWS-FEBRUARY 2010-BUSINESS TRENDS
 

“U.S. replacement passenger tires were expected to fall 6% in 2009 but could rebound in 2010 by about 3%, depending on the economy,” said David Zielasko, editor and vice president/publisher of Tire Business.

   
No single element can change the look of a car or truck like a set of tires and wheels. Thin or thick sidewalls, tall or small, chrome or painted, steel or aluminum—the combinations are endless, and each can thoroughly alter the appearance and the functionality of the vehicle. At last November’s SEMA Show in Las Vegas, a group of enthusiasts who were taking part in a marketing study confirmed the popularity of tire and wheel modifications. A whopping 84.6% of them said that they had bought tires or wheels for their vehicles, and for many—regardless of the type of vehicle they owned—tires and wheels were the first accessory they bought.

Changing Tires

Because tires are a wear item, the replacement industry is obviously huge. Price, tread life, traction, size and speed ratings are all high on the list of considerations for consumers, and a change in wheels may also be undertaken when tires are replaced. As new technologies come on line and economic conditions create or change markets, the wheel and tire industry shifts to provide innovative products and accommodate consumer needs. The increasing emphasis on climate change and pollution has brought about something of a revolution in the industry.

“Most tire manufacturers are launching low-rolling-resistance products, which offer improved fuel efficiency,” said David E. Zielasko, editor and vice president/publisher of Tire Business. “Tire companies are also experimenting with—and, in some cases, already offering—tires manufactured using more environmentally friendly materials and chemicals.”

Those efficiencies and environmental enhancements are coming about through both tread design and the use of different manufacturing materials.

  SEMA NEWS-FEBRUARY 2010-BUSINESS TRENDS
 

Many tire companies are promoting the use of winter tires as opposed to all-season tires in northern regions of the United States, said David Zielasko. Winter performance tires, such as Falken’s Eurowinter HS439, provide superior grip on ice and snow. Courtesy of Tire Business

   
   
“Tread design tackles two issues at once,” said Jim Smith, editor of Tire Review magazine. “First is trying to retain the best traction qualities for the given conditions—summertime or all-season—but also doing it in a fashion that delivers the lowest possible rolling resistance, which plays into tread life. The other part is the tread compound, with an increased use of silica and some heavier use of natural rubber versus synthetics, both of which tend to work better in terms of rolling resistance and traction capabilities. With regard to ‘green’ tires, we’re seeing the replacement of what are called the aromatic oils with products, such as citrus oil, which Yokohama uses, or other synthetics. Sumitomo and others are also reducing the use of oils and oil-based products in their synthetic rubbers.”

Unfortunately, Smith pointed out, there is no universally accepted way to grade tire fuel efficiency, although the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is said to be working on one. While they wait, tire manufacturers have been treading lightly on their fuel-efficiency claims to avoid entanglements with consumer groups or the government.

On the enthusiast side of the street, compounds seem to be the magic word. According to David Freiburger, editor-in-chief of Hot Rod and Hot Rod Deluxe magazines, more makers are getting involved in drag-specific, DOT-approved street radials, changing over from longer-wearing streetable models to those that are super gummy and provide nearly the same performance as a drag slick.

“While drag radials for 15-inch wheels are the performance standard in the street-car drag-racing world, we are seeing more and more expansion into models for 18-inch and larger wheels for OE applications, such as Corvettes, where the owner wants a sticky tire but can’t run small-diameter wheels because they will not fit over the stock brakes,” Freiburger said. “There’s also the Pro Touring market, which has matured to the point where performance handling radials and even specific big-track and autocross tires are being consumed by musclecar builders. In the retro market covered by Hot Rod Deluxe, Coker Tire is on top of the heap with its reproduction vintage tires and its new radial that looks like a bias-ply.”

Tire Review’s Smith said that the hot-rod market is a great one to be in right now for tire retailers because it is so well sheltered.

“These guys are in love with what they drive,” he said. “They’re not casual consumers. They’re intensely interested in their hobby and their craft. Spending levels may ebb and flow based on the economy, but you’re not going to see the whole segment just disappear overnight like we saw with the tuner segment.”

 

SEMA NEWS-FEBRUARY 2010-BUSINESS TRENDS 

Interchangeable bezels—such as a watch bezel—come in multiple colors, including hot pink and a glow-in-the-dark model. Courtesy of WTW Corp.

SEMA NEWS-FEBRUARY 2010-BUSINESS TRENDS 
Wheels such as this Spezia-5 by Gianelle can be modified with colored bezels as well as spoke caps in chrome or a matte-black finish. Courtesy of WTW Corp.  

 

The turbulence in the tuner segment is one indicator of how the automotive universe has suffered during the recession, and that’s not likely to change much for tire dealers in the coming months. Zielasko said that dealers will see stiffer competition in 2010 from larger tire chains and non-traditional outlets that have gobbled up smaller independents. In addition, car dealerships are taking a more aggressive approach to selling tires along with other types of accessories. Even so, Bob Ulrich, editor of Modern Tire Dealer magazine, pointed out that there is pent-up demand for tires as people hold on to vehicles longer and spend their money on maintenance of used vehicles rather than buying new. Ulrich also said, however, that the demand will be mitigated somewhat because tires will cost more than they did in 2009.

“There are two reasons,” he said. “Shortages in entry-level tires due to a 35% tariff on China-made consumer tires and rising raw material costs that will lead to higher prices across the board.”

In addition, tire manufacturers had been cleaning out inventory for eight months while trimming production, which will contribute to the rise.

  SEMA NEWS-FEBRUARY 2010-BUSINESS TRENDS
 

In the performance category, more makers are getting involved in drag-specific, DOT-approved street radials, such as this Hankook Ventus Z214 symmetrically designed semi-slick tire.

   
The tariffs were placed on Chinese passenger and light-truck consumer tires in 2009, Zielasko said, and nearly all of the major tire companies raised prices about 3%–10% by January 2010, so consumers will be paying more for tires. Still, that also creates an opportunity.

“The greatest opportunity for tire manufacturers is to fill the void created by the Chinese tire tariff,” Zielasko said. “This is primarily in the entry-level segment—tires 15 inches in rim diameter and below. Tire makers will also gain from selling higher-margin tires, such as those with higher speed ratings; rim diameters that are 17 inches and higher; and those with special qualities, such as winter and eco tires.”

On the topic of sizing, Smith and others believe that the days of ultra-tall plus sizes are coming to an end and that diameters will return to the more moderate 15-, 17- and 18-inch realm. He also noted that the tire market will change as vehicle sales shift somewhat from light trucks to smaller crossovers and more fuel-efficient vehicles.

“A lot of people are waiting to see how the public reacts to these new offerings,” he said. “If the market goes crazy for the Dodge/Fiat 500, the Chevy Volt and these vehicles that have been heavily touted as being incredibly fuel efficient, that’s going to tell the tire makers a lot about how they’ve got to react. Dealers need to monitor those activities, just as they also need to be very judicious about inventory levels, ensuring that they’ve got a ready supply. If that means that you’ve got to use a couple of additional distributors in your area to meet your needs, then that’s what you’ve got to do. Cash is going to continue to be king in 2010, and a large part of that is not tying up a ton of dollars in inventory.”

For tire manufacturers, the challenge will be to maintain profitability in a market that’s shrunk, Zielasko said, citing statistics from the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA).

“U.S. replacement passenger tires were expected to fall 6% in 2009 but could rebound in 2010 by about 3%, depending on the economy,” he explained. “Light-truck tire replacement shipments were predicted to fall 11% in 2009, with no improvement for 2010. Overall, the RMA projects tire shipments to fall 13% in 2009, including commercial tires, but to rebound by nearly 6% in 2010.”

The Wheel Deal

  SEMA NEWS-FEBRUARY 2010-BUSINESS TRENDS
 

Design and color remain the soul of innovation for wheel manufacturers, including inserts, colored bezels, relief graphics and new spoke configurations.

   
While the eco/fuel-efficiency trend is a hot topic in tire circles, design and color remain the soul of innovation for wheel manufacturers. According to Diko Sulahian, founder of WTW Corp., which produces Giovanna Wheels, Gianelle Designs, Koko Kuture and GFG forged modular wheels, two-tone finishes have been the most popular for about the past six months.

“The trend in design is to personalize the wheels,” he said, “adding your own touch to your vehicle by adding a colored bezel such as one from our Koko Kuture line in various colors or by custom painting the spoke caps of the wheels the same color as your car. One-piece forged wheels are also a new trend for many companies, although mine have had them available for years and it’s a limited application. And plastic spoke caps that attach to the wheels are now offered by numerous wheel companies, allowing you to interchange the look of the wheel by changing a cap, or you can use ABS plastic interchangeable bezels—such as a watch bezel—that come in all colors, including hot pink and a glow-in-the-dark model.”

Kelly Austin, director of sales for Ultra Wheel Company, said that painted wheels are outselling chrome wheels in the majority of the country, though the Southeast Unites States is keeping chrome sales going for now.

“Pricing is tight,” Austin said, “and that is hampering exotic construction types for traditional wheels. One-piece cast aluminum is still the most popular construction type. Some one-piece and multipiece forgings are still moving, but one-piece cast still dominates the volume side of the market.”

Ron Escue, director of business development for Wheel Pros LLC, said that the latest innovations are reveal patterns or graphics that are either cast into the wheel or airbrushed onto the face of the finished product. Freiburger said that he noticed two emerging trends at the SEMA Show: single or double-spoke wheels, and five-spoke wheels with one spoke painted a different tone than the others. He also concurred that the ultra-tall phenomenon appears to be fading.

  SEMA NEWS-FEBRUARY 2010-BUSINESS TRENDS
 

No single element can change the look of a car or truck like a set of tires and wheels. Thin or thick sidewalls, tall or small, chrome or painted, steel or aluminum—the combinations are endless, and each can thoroughly alter the appearance and the functionality of the vehicle.

   
“It seems that 20-inch and larger wheels are being used on higher-end musclecar builds these days,” he explained, “but there is a core audience which feels that anything larger than 18s turns a car into a cartoon. Diehard performance builders feel that huge diameters are a detriment to handling and ride quality.”

The truck market appears to be in agreement with that assessment, according to Bob Carpenter, editor of 8-Lug HD Truck magazine.

“Biggest is no longer hottest,” he said. “Things have pulled back, and people are looking for more reasonable sizes for their trucks. The whole point of custom wheels and tires is to make your truck stand out and be different. So going with what’s simply ‘hot’ at the moment is probably the wrong direction for a lot of people.”

Carpenter said that show-truck builders seem to be remaining in the chrome camp, but he’s seeing more color and more gray or black centers.

“Some think chrome adds a lot of weight, and everyone is conscious of fuel mileage, so weight plays a factor,” Carpenter said. “Plus, the darker colors are easier to keep clean.”

As with tires, the wheel experts advised retailers to pursue just-in-time inventory delivery. Escue said that improved methods should allow retailers to quickly secure product once a sale has been determined, and Austin said that additional sales training is more important than ever in order to capitalize on any and all opportunities, including negotiation and listening to the customer’s needs.

“Consumer confidence is climbing,” he said. “That will bring more retail opportunities in 2010 than we had in 2009. Make sure you’re prepared to take advantage of them.”

 

Trends on a Roll: Tire & Wheel Market
Tue, 02/02/2010 - 09:19

SEMA News - February 2010

By Steve Campbell

Expert Insights Into Tire and Wheel Markets and Innovations

  SEMA NEWS-FEBRUARY 2010-BUSINESS TRENDS
 

“U.S. replacement passenger tires were expected to fall 6% in 2009 but could rebound in 2010 by about 3%, depending on the economy,” said David Zielasko, editor and vice president/publisher of Tire Business.

   
No single element can change the look of a car or truck like a set of tires and wheels. Thin or thick sidewalls, tall or small, chrome or painted, steel or aluminum—the combinations are endless, and each can thoroughly alter the appearance and the functionality of the vehicle. At last November’s SEMA Show in Las Vegas, a group of enthusiasts who were taking part in a marketing study confirmed the popularity of tire and wheel modifications. A whopping 84.6% of them said that they had bought tires or wheels for their vehicles, and for many—regardless of the type of vehicle they owned—tires and wheels were the first accessory they bought.

Changing Tires

Because tires are a wear item, the replacement industry is obviously huge. Price, tread life, traction, size and speed ratings are all high on the list of considerations for consumers, and a change in wheels may also be undertaken when tires are replaced. As new technologies come on line and economic conditions create or change markets, the wheel and tire industry shifts to provide innovative products and accommodate consumer needs. The increasing emphasis on climate change and pollution has brought about something of a revolution in the industry.

“Most tire manufacturers are launching low-rolling-resistance products, which offer improved fuel efficiency,” said David E. Zielasko, editor and vice president/publisher of Tire Business. “Tire companies are also experimenting with—and, in some cases, already offering—tires manufactured using more environmentally friendly materials and chemicals.”

Those efficiencies and environmental enhancements are coming about through both tread design and the use of different manufacturing materials.

  SEMA NEWS-FEBRUARY 2010-BUSINESS TRENDS
 

Many tire companies are promoting the use of winter tires as opposed to all-season tires in northern regions of the United States, said David Zielasko. Winter performance tires, such as Falken’s Eurowinter HS439, provide superior grip on ice and snow. Courtesy of Tire Business

   
   
“Tread design tackles two issues at once,” said Jim Smith, editor of Tire Review magazine. “First is trying to retain the best traction qualities for the given conditions—summertime or all-season—but also doing it in a fashion that delivers the lowest possible rolling resistance, which plays into tread life. The other part is the tread compound, with an increased use of silica and some heavier use of natural rubber versus synthetics, both of which tend to work better in terms of rolling resistance and traction capabilities. With regard to ‘green’ tires, we’re seeing the replacement of what are called the aromatic oils with products, such as citrus oil, which Yokohama uses, or other synthetics. Sumitomo and others are also reducing the use of oils and oil-based products in their synthetic rubbers.”

Unfortunately, Smith pointed out, there is no universally accepted way to grade tire fuel efficiency, although the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is said to be working on one. While they wait, tire manufacturers have been treading lightly on their fuel-efficiency claims to avoid entanglements with consumer groups or the government.

On the enthusiast side of the street, compounds seem to be the magic word. According to David Freiburger, editor-in-chief of Hot Rod and Hot Rod Deluxe magazines, more makers are getting involved in drag-specific, DOT-approved street radials, changing over from longer-wearing streetable models to those that are super gummy and provide nearly the same performance as a drag slick.

“While drag radials for 15-inch wheels are the performance standard in the street-car drag-racing world, we are seeing more and more expansion into models for 18-inch and larger wheels for OE applications, such as Corvettes, where the owner wants a sticky tire but can’t run small-diameter wheels because they will not fit over the stock brakes,” Freiburger said. “There’s also the Pro Touring market, which has matured to the point where performance handling radials and even specific big-track and autocross tires are being consumed by musclecar builders. In the retro market covered by Hot Rod Deluxe, Coker Tire is on top of the heap with its reproduction vintage tires and its new radial that looks like a bias-ply.”

Tire Review’s Smith said that the hot-rod market is a great one to be in right now for tire retailers because it is so well sheltered.

“These guys are in love with what they drive,” he said. “They’re not casual consumers. They’re intensely interested in their hobby and their craft. Spending levels may ebb and flow based on the economy, but you’re not going to see the whole segment just disappear overnight like we saw with the tuner segment.”

 

SEMA NEWS-FEBRUARY 2010-BUSINESS TRENDS 

Interchangeable bezels—such as a watch bezel—come in multiple colors, including hot pink and a glow-in-the-dark model. Courtesy of WTW Corp.

SEMA NEWS-FEBRUARY 2010-BUSINESS TRENDS 
Wheels such as this Spezia-5 by Gianelle can be modified with colored bezels as well as spoke caps in chrome or a matte-black finish. Courtesy of WTW Corp.  

 

The turbulence in the tuner segment is one indicator of how the automotive universe has suffered during the recession, and that’s not likely to change much for tire dealers in the coming months. Zielasko said that dealers will see stiffer competition in 2010 from larger tire chains and non-traditional outlets that have gobbled up smaller independents. In addition, car dealerships are taking a more aggressive approach to selling tires along with other types of accessories. Even so, Bob Ulrich, editor of Modern Tire Dealer magazine, pointed out that there is pent-up demand for tires as people hold on to vehicles longer and spend their money on maintenance of used vehicles rather than buying new. Ulrich also said, however, that the demand will be mitigated somewhat because tires will cost more than they did in 2009.

“There are two reasons,” he said. “Shortages in entry-level tires due to a 35% tariff on China-made consumer tires and rising raw material costs that will lead to higher prices across the board.”

In addition, tire manufacturers had been cleaning out inventory for eight months while trimming production, which will contribute to the rise.

  SEMA NEWS-FEBRUARY 2010-BUSINESS TRENDS
 

In the performance category, more makers are getting involved in drag-specific, DOT-approved street radials, such as this Hankook Ventus Z214 symmetrically designed semi-slick tire.

   
The tariffs were placed on Chinese passenger and light-truck consumer tires in 2009, Zielasko said, and nearly all of the major tire companies raised prices about 3%–10% by January 2010, so consumers will be paying more for tires. Still, that also creates an opportunity.

“The greatest opportunity for tire manufacturers is to fill the void created by the Chinese tire tariff,” Zielasko said. “This is primarily in the entry-level segment—tires 15 inches in rim diameter and below. Tire makers will also gain from selling higher-margin tires, such as those with higher speed ratings; rim diameters that are 17 inches and higher; and those with special qualities, such as winter and eco tires.”

On the topic of sizing, Smith and others believe that the days of ultra-tall plus sizes are coming to an end and that diameters will return to the more moderate 15-, 17- and 18-inch realm. He also noted that the tire market will change as vehicle sales shift somewhat from light trucks to smaller crossovers and more fuel-efficient vehicles.

“A lot of people are waiting to see how the public reacts to these new offerings,” he said. “If the market goes crazy for the Dodge/Fiat 500, the Chevy Volt and these vehicles that have been heavily touted as being incredibly fuel efficient, that’s going to tell the tire makers a lot about how they’ve got to react. Dealers need to monitor those activities, just as they also need to be very judicious about inventory levels, ensuring that they’ve got a ready supply. If that means that you’ve got to use a couple of additional distributors in your area to meet your needs, then that’s what you’ve got to do. Cash is going to continue to be king in 2010, and a large part of that is not tying up a ton of dollars in inventory.”

For tire manufacturers, the challenge will be to maintain profitability in a market that’s shrunk, Zielasko said, citing statistics from the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA).

“U.S. replacement passenger tires were expected to fall 6% in 2009 but could rebound in 2010 by about 3%, depending on the economy,” he explained. “Light-truck tire replacement shipments were predicted to fall 11% in 2009, with no improvement for 2010. Overall, the RMA projects tire shipments to fall 13% in 2009, including commercial tires, but to rebound by nearly 6% in 2010.”

The Wheel Deal

  SEMA NEWS-FEBRUARY 2010-BUSINESS TRENDS
 

Design and color remain the soul of innovation for wheel manufacturers, including inserts, colored bezels, relief graphics and new spoke configurations.

   
While the eco/fuel-efficiency trend is a hot topic in tire circles, design and color remain the soul of innovation for wheel manufacturers. According to Diko Sulahian, founder of WTW Corp., which produces Giovanna Wheels, Gianelle Designs, Koko Kuture and GFG forged modular wheels, two-tone finishes have been the most popular for about the past six months.

“The trend in design is to personalize the wheels,” he said, “adding your own touch to your vehicle by adding a colored bezel such as one from our Koko Kuture line in various colors or by custom painting the spoke caps of the wheels the same color as your car. One-piece forged wheels are also a new trend for many companies, although mine have had them available for years and it’s a limited application. And plastic spoke caps that attach to the wheels are now offered by numerous wheel companies, allowing you to interchange the look of the wheel by changing a cap, or you can use ABS plastic interchangeable bezels—such as a watch bezel—that come in all colors, including hot pink and a glow-in-the-dark model.”

Kelly Austin, director of sales for Ultra Wheel Company, said that painted wheels are outselling chrome wheels in the majority of the country, though the Southeast Unites States is keeping chrome sales going for now.

“Pricing is tight,” Austin said, “and that is hampering exotic construction types for traditional wheels. One-piece cast aluminum is still the most popular construction type. Some one-piece and multipiece forgings are still moving, but one-piece cast still dominates the volume side of the market.”

Ron Escue, director of business development for Wheel Pros LLC, said that the latest innovations are reveal patterns or graphics that are either cast into the wheel or airbrushed onto the face of the finished product. Freiburger said that he noticed two emerging trends at the SEMA Show: single or double-spoke wheels, and five-spoke wheels with one spoke painted a different tone than the others. He also concurred that the ultra-tall phenomenon appears to be fading.

  SEMA NEWS-FEBRUARY 2010-BUSINESS TRENDS
 

No single element can change the look of a car or truck like a set of tires and wheels. Thin or thick sidewalls, tall or small, chrome or painted, steel or aluminum—the combinations are endless, and each can thoroughly alter the appearance and the functionality of the vehicle.

   
“It seems that 20-inch and larger wheels are being used on higher-end musclecar builds these days,” he explained, “but there is a core audience which feels that anything larger than 18s turns a car into a cartoon. Diehard performance builders feel that huge diameters are a detriment to handling and ride quality.”

The truck market appears to be in agreement with that assessment, according to Bob Carpenter, editor of 8-Lug HD Truck magazine.

“Biggest is no longer hottest,” he said. “Things have pulled back, and people are looking for more reasonable sizes for their trucks. The whole point of custom wheels and tires is to make your truck stand out and be different. So going with what’s simply ‘hot’ at the moment is probably the wrong direction for a lot of people.”

Carpenter said that show-truck builders seem to be remaining in the chrome camp, but he’s seeing more color and more gray or black centers.

“Some think chrome adds a lot of weight, and everyone is conscious of fuel mileage, so weight plays a factor,” Carpenter said. “Plus, the darker colors are easier to keep clean.”

As with tires, the wheel experts advised retailers to pursue just-in-time inventory delivery. Escue said that improved methods should allow retailers to quickly secure product once a sale has been determined, and Austin said that additional sales training is more important than ever in order to capitalize on any and all opportunities, including negotiation and listening to the customer’s needs.

“Consumer confidence is climbing,” he said. “That will bring more retail opportunities in 2010 than we had in 2009. Make sure you’re prepared to take advantage of them.”

 

Trends on a Roll: Tire & Wheel Market
Tue, 02/02/2010 - 09:19

SEMA News - February 2010

By Steve Campbell

Expert Insights Into Tire and Wheel Markets and Innovations

  SEMA NEWS-FEBRUARY 2010-BUSINESS TRENDS
 

“U.S. replacement passenger tires were expected to fall 6% in 2009 but could rebound in 2010 by about 3%, depending on the economy,” said David Zielasko, editor and vice president/publisher of Tire Business.

   
No single element can change the look of a car or truck like a set of tires and wheels. Thin or thick sidewalls, tall or small, chrome or painted, steel or aluminum—the combinations are endless, and each can thoroughly alter the appearance and the functionality of the vehicle. At last November’s SEMA Show in Las Vegas, a group of enthusiasts who were taking part in a marketing study confirmed the popularity of tire and wheel modifications. A whopping 84.6% of them said that they had bought tires or wheels for their vehicles, and for many—regardless of the type of vehicle they owned—tires and wheels were the first accessory they bought.

Changing Tires

Because tires are a wear item, the replacement industry is obviously huge. Price, tread life, traction, size and speed ratings are all high on the list of considerations for consumers, and a change in wheels may also be undertaken when tires are replaced. As new technologies come on line and economic conditions create or change markets, the wheel and tire industry shifts to provide innovative products and accommodate consumer needs. The increasing emphasis on climate change and pollution has brought about something of a revolution in the industry.

“Most tire manufacturers are launching low-rolling-resistance products, which offer improved fuel efficiency,” said David E. Zielasko, editor and vice president/publisher of Tire Business. “Tire companies are also experimenting with—and, in some cases, already offering—tires manufactured using more environmentally friendly materials and chemicals.”

Those efficiencies and environmental enhancements are coming about through both tread design and the use of different manufacturing materials.

  SEMA NEWS-FEBRUARY 2010-BUSINESS TRENDS
 

Many tire companies are promoting the use of winter tires as opposed to all-season tires in northern regions of the United States, said David Zielasko. Winter performance tires, such as Falken’s Eurowinter HS439, provide superior grip on ice and snow. Courtesy of Tire Business

   
   
“Tread design tackles two issues at once,” said Jim Smith, editor of Tire Review magazine. “First is trying to retain the best traction qualities for the given conditions—summertime or all-season—but also doing it in a fashion that delivers the lowest possible rolling resistance, which plays into tread life. The other part is the tread compound, with an increased use of silica and some heavier use of natural rubber versus synthetics, both of which tend to work better in terms of rolling resistance and traction capabilities. With regard to ‘green’ tires, we’re seeing the replacement of what are called the aromatic oils with products, such as citrus oil, which Yokohama uses, or other synthetics. Sumitomo and others are also reducing the use of oils and oil-based products in their synthetic rubbers.”

Unfortunately, Smith pointed out, there is no universally accepted way to grade tire fuel efficiency, although the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is said to be working on one. While they wait, tire manufacturers have been treading lightly on their fuel-efficiency claims to avoid entanglements with consumer groups or the government.

On the enthusiast side of the street, compounds seem to be the magic word. According to David Freiburger, editor-in-chief of Hot Rod and Hot Rod Deluxe magazines, more makers are getting involved in drag-specific, DOT-approved street radials, changing over from longer-wearing streetable models to those that are super gummy and provide nearly the same performance as a drag slick.

“While drag radials for 15-inch wheels are the performance standard in the street-car drag-racing world, we are seeing more and more expansion into models for 18-inch and larger wheels for OE applications, such as Corvettes, where the owner wants a sticky tire but can’t run small-diameter wheels because they will not fit over the stock brakes,” Freiburger said. “There’s also the Pro Touring market, which has matured to the point where performance handling radials and even specific big-track and autocross tires are being consumed by musclecar builders. In the retro market covered by Hot Rod Deluxe, Coker Tire is on top of the heap with its reproduction vintage tires and its new radial that looks like a bias-ply.”

Tire Review’s Smith said that the hot-rod market is a great one to be in right now for tire retailers because it is so well sheltered.

“These guys are in love with what they drive,” he said. “They’re not casual consumers. They’re intensely interested in their hobby and their craft. Spending levels may ebb and flow based on the economy, but you’re not going to see the whole segment just disappear overnight like we saw with the tuner segment.”

 

SEMA NEWS-FEBRUARY 2010-BUSINESS TRENDS 

Interchangeable bezels—such as a watch bezel—come in multiple colors, including hot pink and a glow-in-the-dark model. Courtesy of WTW Corp.

SEMA NEWS-FEBRUARY 2010-BUSINESS TRENDS 
Wheels such as this Spezia-5 by Gianelle can be modified with colored bezels as well as spoke caps in chrome or a matte-black finish. Courtesy of WTW Corp.  

 

The turbulence in the tuner segment is one indicator of how the automotive universe has suffered during the recession, and that’s not likely to change much for tire dealers in the coming months. Zielasko said that dealers will see stiffer competition in 2010 from larger tire chains and non-traditional outlets that have gobbled up smaller independents. In addition, car dealerships are taking a more aggressive approach to selling tires along with other types of accessories. Even so, Bob Ulrich, editor of Modern Tire Dealer magazine, pointed out that there is pent-up demand for tires as people hold on to vehicles longer and spend their money on maintenance of used vehicles rather than buying new. Ulrich also said, however, that the demand will be mitigated somewhat because tires will cost more than they did in 2009.

“There are two reasons,” he said. “Shortages in entry-level tires due to a 35% tariff on China-made consumer tires and rising raw material costs that will lead to higher prices across the board.”

In addition, tire manufacturers had been cleaning out inventory for eight months while trimming production, which will contribute to the rise.

  SEMA NEWS-FEBRUARY 2010-BUSINESS TRENDS
 

In the performance category, more makers are getting involved in drag-specific, DOT-approved street radials, such as this Hankook Ventus Z214 symmetrically designed semi-slick tire.

   
The tariffs were placed on Chinese passenger and light-truck consumer tires in 2009, Zielasko said, and nearly all of the major tire companies raised prices about 3%–10% by January 2010, so consumers will be paying more for tires. Still, that also creates an opportunity.

“The greatest opportunity for tire manufacturers is to fill the void created by the Chinese tire tariff,” Zielasko said. “This is primarily in the entry-level segment—tires 15 inches in rim diameter and below. Tire makers will also gain from selling higher-margin tires, such as those with higher speed ratings; rim diameters that are 17 inches and higher; and those with special qualities, such as winter and eco tires.”

On the topic of sizing, Smith and others believe that the days of ultra-tall plus sizes are coming to an end and that diameters will return to the more moderate 15-, 17- and 18-inch realm. He also noted that the tire market will change as vehicle sales shift somewhat from light trucks to smaller crossovers and more fuel-efficient vehicles.

“A lot of people are waiting to see how the public reacts to these new offerings,” he said. “If the market goes crazy for the Dodge/Fiat 500, the Chevy Volt and these vehicles that have been heavily touted as being incredibly fuel efficient, that’s going to tell the tire makers a lot about how they’ve got to react. Dealers need to monitor those activities, just as they also need to be very judicious about inventory levels, ensuring that they’ve got a ready supply. If that means that you’ve got to use a couple of additional distributors in your area to meet your needs, then that’s what you’ve got to do. Cash is going to continue to be king in 2010, and a large part of that is not tying up a ton of dollars in inventory.”

For tire manufacturers, the challenge will be to maintain profitability in a market that’s shrunk, Zielasko said, citing statistics from the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA).

“U.S. replacement passenger tires were expected to fall 6% in 2009 but could rebound in 2010 by about 3%, depending on the economy,” he explained. “Light-truck tire replacement shipments were predicted to fall 11% in 2009, with no improvement for 2010. Overall, the RMA projects tire shipments to fall 13% in 2009, including commercial tires, but to rebound by nearly 6% in 2010.”

The Wheel Deal

  SEMA NEWS-FEBRUARY 2010-BUSINESS TRENDS
 

Design and color remain the soul of innovation for wheel manufacturers, including inserts, colored bezels, relief graphics and new spoke configurations.

   
While the eco/fuel-efficiency trend is a hot topic in tire circles, design and color remain the soul of innovation for wheel manufacturers. According to Diko Sulahian, founder of WTW Corp., which produces Giovanna Wheels, Gianelle Designs, Koko Kuture and GFG forged modular wheels, two-tone finishes have been the most popular for about the past six months.

“The trend in design is to personalize the wheels,” he said, “adding your own touch to your vehicle by adding a colored bezel such as one from our Koko Kuture line in various colors or by custom painting the spoke caps of the wheels the same color as your car. One-piece forged wheels are also a new trend for many companies, although mine have had them available for years and it’s a limited application. And plastic spoke caps that attach to the wheels are now offered by numerous wheel companies, allowing you to interchange the look of the wheel by changing a cap, or you can use ABS plastic interchangeable bezels—such as a watch bezel—that come in all colors, including hot pink and a glow-in-the-dark model.”

Kelly Austin, director of sales for Ultra Wheel Company, said that painted wheels are outselling chrome wheels in the majority of the country, though the Southeast Unites States is keeping chrome sales going for now.

“Pricing is tight,” Austin said, “and that is hampering exotic construction types for traditional wheels. One-piece cast aluminum is still the most popular construction type. Some one-piece and multipiece forgings are still moving, but one-piece cast still dominates the volume side of the market.”

Ron Escue, director of business development for Wheel Pros LLC, said that the latest innovations are reveal patterns or graphics that are either cast into the wheel or airbrushed onto the face of the finished product. Freiburger said that he noticed two emerging trends at the SEMA Show: single or double-spoke wheels, and five-spoke wheels with one spoke painted a different tone than the others. He also concurred that the ultra-tall phenomenon appears to be fading.

  SEMA NEWS-FEBRUARY 2010-BUSINESS TRENDS
 

No single element can change the look of a car or truck like a set of tires and wheels. Thin or thick sidewalls, tall or small, chrome or painted, steel or aluminum—the combinations are endless, and each can thoroughly alter the appearance and the functionality of the vehicle.

   
“It seems that 20-inch and larger wheels are being used on higher-end musclecar builds these days,” he explained, “but there is a core audience which feels that anything larger than 18s turns a car into a cartoon. Diehard performance builders feel that huge diameters are a detriment to handling and ride quality.”

The truck market appears to be in agreement with that assessment, according to Bob Carpenter, editor of 8-Lug HD Truck magazine.

“Biggest is no longer hottest,” he said. “Things have pulled back, and people are looking for more reasonable sizes for their trucks. The whole point of custom wheels and tires is to make your truck stand out and be different. So going with what’s simply ‘hot’ at the moment is probably the wrong direction for a lot of people.”

Carpenter said that show-truck builders seem to be remaining in the chrome camp, but he’s seeing more color and more gray or black centers.

“Some think chrome adds a lot of weight, and everyone is conscious of fuel mileage, so weight plays a factor,” Carpenter said. “Plus, the darker colors are easier to keep clean.”

As with tires, the wheel experts advised retailers to pursue just-in-time inventory delivery. Escue said that improved methods should allow retailers to quickly secure product once a sale has been determined, and Austin said that additional sales training is more important than ever in order to capitalize on any and all opportunities, including negotiation and listening to the customer’s needs.

“Consumer confidence is climbing,” he said. “That will bring more retail opportunities in 2010 than we had in 2009. Make sure you’re prepared to take advantage of them.”